Musculoskeletal Pain Epidemiology Forecast 2025-2034

Musculoskeletal pain represents a significant global health concern, impairing movement and diminishing quality of life. An estimated 1.71 billion people worldwide live with musculoskeletal conditions, with low back pain identified as the primary cause of disability across 160 countries. In 2019, back pain affected 39.0% of adults, while 36.5% reported pain in the lower limbs and 30.7% experienced discomfort in the upper limbs.

Musculoskeletal Pain Epidemiology Forecast Report Coverage

The Musculoskeletal Pain Epidemiology Forecast Report 2025-2034 delivers a comprehensive analysis of the condition’s prevalence and associated demographic factors. It projects future incidence and prevalence trends across diverse population groups, considering key variables such as age, gender, and musculoskeletal pain type. The report highlights changes in prevalence over time and offers data-driven forecasts based on influencing factors. Additionally, it provides an in-depth overview of the disease, along with historical and projected epidemiological data for eight key markets:

The United States, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Japan, and India.

Musculoskeletal Pain:

Disease Overview

Musculoskeletal pain affects the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves, causing discomfort, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It can be acute or chronic, impacting daily activities and quality of life. Common causes include back pain, joint pain, and muscle strains, with conditions like osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia also contributing. Treatment approaches vary, ranging from physical therapy and medication to lifestyle changes and, in some cases, surgical intervention, aiming to alleviate symptoms and improve function.

Epidemiology Overview

The musculoskeletal pain epidemiology section presents comprehensive insights into patient populations, tracing trends from historical data to present-day figures and future projections across eight major global markets. The Research analyses a broad spectrum of studies to provide up-to-date and forecasted patterns in musculoskeletal pain. The report also details the diagnosed patient population, segmented by factors such as age groups and patient categories, to illustrate the condition’s demographic distribution.

• In the United Kingdom, musculoskeletal disorders account for over 30 million lost working days each year, severely affecting workplace productivity. In England, up to 30% of general practitioner appointments are attributed to musculoskeletal issues, underlining the pressure on primary healthcare systems.
• Arthritis affects more than 10 million people in the United Kingdom, equating to one in six individuals who suffer from chronic pain, fatigue, and limited mobility.
• With over 15.3 million people in the UK projected to be aged 65 or older by 2030, the demand for musculoskeletal health services is expected to rise sharply.
• In 2019, 39.0% of adults reported experiencing back pain, 36.5% reported lower limb pain, and 30.7% reported upper limb pain within the previous three months. Back pain was particularly common among older adults aged 65 and above, women, and non-Hispanic white individuals.
• Lower limb pain was least reported among adults aged 18-29 (21.0%), men (33.5%), and non-Hispanic Asian individuals (20.6%), indicating demographic disparities in symptom prevalence.

Musculoskeletal Pain:

Treatment Overview

1. Pharmacological Therapy

Pharmacological treatment is often the first line of management for musculoskeletal pain. Common medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, which reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. In more severe cases, muscle relaxants, corticosteroids, or prescription analgesics may be used. Careful monitoring is essential to avoid long-term side effects like gastrointestinal issues or dependence. These medications provide symptomatic relief but should be used alongside non-pharmacological approaches for best results. Treatment choice depends on the underlying cause, pain severity, and individual patient response.

2. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy plays a central role in treating musculoskeletal pain by addressing the root cause of discomfort. A physiotherapist may develop tailored exercise programmes to strengthen muscles, improve joint mobility, and restore function. Techniques such as manual therapy, stretching, and posture correction help alleviate pain and prevent recurrence. Physical therapy is especially effective for chronic conditions like lower back pain, arthritis, and tendonitis. It empowers patients to manage symptoms independently, improves overall movement, and reduces reliance on medication, making it a sustainable long-term treatment option.

3. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioural therapy is increasingly recognised as an effective adjunct in managing chronic musculoskeletal pain. This psychological approach helps patients understand the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and pain perception. CBT aims to reduce pain-related distress, improve coping strategies, and enhance quality of life. It is particularly beneficial for individuals whose pain is exacerbated by stress, anxiety, or depression. Delivered through individual or group sessions, CBT can be integrated into multidisciplinary pain management programmes. It addresses both the physical and emotional dimensions of chronic pain.

4. Interventional Procedures

For persistent or severe musculoskeletal pain that does not respond to conventional treatments, interventional procedures may be considered. These include joint injections, nerve blocks, and radiofrequency ablation. For example, corticosteroid injections into inflamed joints can offer temporary relief from arthritis-related pain. Such interventions are typically administered by specialists and are often used as part of a broader treatment plan. While not a cure, they provide significant symptom relief, improve function, and can delay the need for surgical intervention in some cases.

5. Lifestyle Modifications and Self-Management

Lifestyle changes are fundamental to long-term management of musculoskeletal pain. Weight management, regular low-impact exercise (like swimming or walking), ergonomic adjustments, and proper posture can significantly reduce strain on joints and muscles. Patients are encouraged to avoid prolonged inactivity, which can worsen stiffness and discomfort. Self-management techniques such as heat/cold therapy, mindfulness, and pacing activities also support pain control. Empowering individuals with knowledge and tools to manage their condition promotes independence, improves outcomes, and complements medical treatments.

Musculoskeletal Pain:

Burden Analysis

Musculoskeletal pain poses a substantial global health burden, significantly diminishing individuals' quality of life. It often results in chronic discomfort, reduced mobility, and functional limitations, affecting daily activities such as walking, working, or sleeping. The condition contributes to high rates of absenteeism and productivity loss, especially in working-age populations. Psychological effects, including anxiety and depression, are also common due to persistent pain and physical limitations. As populations age, the prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal disorders continue to rise, placing increasing pressure on healthcare systems and underscoring the need for effective prevention, early intervention, and long-term management strategies.

Key Epidemiology Trends

Musculoskeletal pain encompasses a range of conditions affecting muscles, bones, and joints, leading to significant disability worldwide. Recent epidemiological studies have identified several notable trends:

1. Rising Prevalence Among Adolescents and Young Adults:

Traditionally associated with older populations, musculoskeletal disorders are increasingly affecting individuals aged 15 to 39. This shift may be linked to lifestyle factors such as reduced physical activity, poor ergonomics, and increased screen time. Early onset of these conditions suggests a potential for prolonged disability over a lifetime.

2. Gender Disparities in Disease Burden:

Epidemiological data indicate that females bear a higher burden of certain musculoskeletal conditions, including low back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Conversely, conditions like gout are more prevalent in males. These disparities may be influenced by biological differences, hormonal factors, and gender-specific lifestyle behaviors.

3. Impact of High Body Mass Index (BMI):

An elevated BMI is a significant risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis and gout. The increasing global prevalence of overweight and obesity contributes to the rising incidence of these conditions, highlighting the importance of weight management in prevention strategies.

4. Geographic Variations in Disease Burden:

There are notable regional differences in the prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal disorders. High-income countries report higher age-standardized prevalence rates, possibly due to better diagnostic capabilities and higher life expectancy. In contrast, low and middle-income regions may experience underreporting and limited access to healthcare services, affecting the accuracy of prevalence data.

5. Projected Increase Due to Aging Populations:

As global populations age, the number of individuals experiencing musculoskeletal pain is expected to rise substantially. For example, in England, nearly 2 million additional people are projected to suffer from chronic pain by 2040, primarily due to demographic shifts. This trend underscores the need for healthcare systems to prepare for increased demand for musculoskeletal care services.

Analysis By Region

The epidemiology of musculoskeletal pain varies across countries and regions due to differences in healthcare infrastructure, socioeconomic factors, cultural attitudes towards pain, and access to pain management therapies. Understanding these variations is essential for developing targeted interventions and improving patient outcomes.

Key regions include:

• The United States
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• The United Kingdom
• Japan
• India

These regions exhibit distinct epidemiological trends, reflecting the unique challenges and opportunities within their healthcare systems.

Musculoskeletal pain represents a significant global health issue, greatly affecting individuals’ quality of life and contributing substantially to disability. The World Health Organization reports that around 1.71 billion people worldwide are affected by musculoskeletal conditions, making them the foremost cause of disability. Low back pain, in particular, ranks as the leading cause of disability in 160 countries. High-income countries report the highest prevalence, with 441 million cases, followed by the WHO Western Pacific Region (427 million) and South-East Asia (369 million). These conditions are responsible for 149 million years lived with disability, accounting for 17% of the global burden. In the UK, nearly one-third of the population over 20 million individuals, suffers from musculoskeletal conditions, with healthcare demands increasing due to an ageing population.

Key Questions Answered

• What demographic factors most significantly influence the incidence and prevalence of musculoskeletal pain globally?
• How does socioeconomic status impact access to diagnosis and treatment for chronic musculoskeletal conditions?
• What role does urbanisation and sedentary lifestyle play in the rising rates of musculoskeletal disorders?
• How are global ageing trends expected to affect the burden of musculoskeletal pain in the next two decades?
• What are the regional disparities in musculoskeletal pain prevalence, and how can they inform targeted health policies?
• How does occupational exposure contribute to long-term musculoskeletal issues in specific workforce sectors?
• What are the long-term epidemiological consequences of untreated or under-treated musculoskeletal pain?
• How does the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders vary by gender, and what biological or social factors contribute to this?
• What is the relationship between obesity trends and the increasing global burden of musculoskeletal conditions?
• How effective are current screening and surveillance systems in capturing accurate epidemiological data for musculoskeletal diseases?

Scope of the Report

• The report covers a detailed analysis of signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment options, and classification/types of musculoskeletal pain based on several factors.
• The musculoskeletal pain epidemiology forecast report covers data for the eight major markets (the US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Japan, and India).
• The report helps to identify the patient population, the unmet needs of musculoskeletal pain are highlighted along with an assessment of the disease's risk and burden.