A Parliament Magazine special supplement on early intervention for musculoskeletal disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the leading cause of sickness absence in Europe, accounting for half of all absences and 60 per cent of permanent work incapacity at a cost of €240bn (two per cent of GDP).
Some 100 million Europeans have MSDs, equivalent to the combined populations of Belgium, Germany and Austria. With some European states such as the UK and France set to see up to 50 per cent of their working age populations diagnosed with a chronic condition by 2030, the growing incidence of MSDs are already gradually decreasing labour productivity and undermining economic growth in Europe.
This special supplement shines a light on this growing problem, demonstrating the extent of the challenges from a range of perspectives, demolishing misconceptions around these conditions, but also clearly outlining practical solutions. MSDs do not have to be disabling.