Why musculoskeletal conditions cost your business and what to do about it
More than half of American adults — about 126 million people — are living with a musculoskeletal condition. And today’s employers are feeling the financial burden of increased health care spending and lost productivity. Musculoskeletal (MSK) health is a key cost-driver for employers.
Wellmark is helping employers manage the rising costs of MSK disorders through increased employee awareness and navigation of early, non-surgical treatment options, which research shows can reduce the use of higher-cost services like imaging, injections and surgery. Encouraging early care starts with understanding the MSK system and why employees ignore symptoms such as chronic low back pain, neck pain, stiffness or swelling in muscles and joints.
What is the musculoskeletal system?
The musculoskeletal system includes muscles, bones, joints and adjacent connective tissue (tendons, ligaments and cartilage). It’s a framework that holds you up, helps you move and protects key parts of you. The MSK system also plays a critical role in posture and balance and produces blood cells. It’s essential to function at work and in everyday life.
So why are employees ignoring musculoskeletal health?
Musculoskeletal symptoms are often misunderstood and dismissed as everyday aches and pains or simply “part of getting older.” This type of pain can come and go, so it’s not always top of mind for employees. And because MSK conditions don’t always show up on basic tests or imaging, employees may think care isn’t needed.
But downplaying those little aches and pains can lead people to delay care and negatively impact mobility, dexterity and the ability to perform even the simplest work tasks. Ignoring MSK symptoms could even lead to disability.
Musculoskeletal resources from Wellmark
Wellmark is helping employers address the escalating costs of musculoskeletal conditions through evidence-based benefit design, care navigation and support for early treatment.
Whole-person health strategies support MSK prevention:
- Maintaining a diet that targets bone and muscle health
- Doing exercises and stretches focused on certain muscle groups and joints
- Getting adequate sleep
- Exploring ergonomic needs at home and work
Employees can access preventive information on managing MSK conditions like arthritis, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis through Wellmark Connect powered by WebMD® on myWellmark.
Help employees move more during the work day
Regular exercise and stretching can help prevent MSK conditions from developing later in life. Consider trying these simple strategies to get employees up and moving throughout the day.
Let’s manage musculoskeletal health costs together
Wellmark is strategically focused on musculoskeletal health to help employers manage total cost of care. If you have questions about MSK health or treatment, reach out to your Wellmark representative.
Disclosures
WebMD® is a registered mark of WebMD Health Services Group, Inc. WebMD is a separate company that provides wellness services on behalf of Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
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