Musculoskeletal health is not just a clinical concern. It's a workforce, economic and productivity issue that directly influences how organizations manage risk, cost and long-term workforce participation across markets.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions affect muscles, joints, bones, tendons and ligaments and are now the leading cause of disability worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1.71 billion people globally live with an MSK condition today.1
For employers, insurers and benefit leaders, MSK health directly affects workforce participation, talent sustainability and resilience. What was once treated primarily as a medical cost is now a workforce risk, one that calls for proactive, scalable solutions rather than reactive care.
The global scale of MSK conditions.
MSK conditions are the largest contributor to years lived with disability (YLDs) worldwide, accounting for about 17 percent of all disability years or roughly 149 million YLDs.1 Low back pain alone is the leading cause of disability in more than 160 countries.1
This burden continues to grow because of several factors:
- Aging populations and workforces
- Population growth across most regions
- More sedentary, screen-based work and flexible working patterns
Between 1990 and 2020, global MSK cases increased by more than 120 percent, largely driven by demographic shifts and lifestyle changes.2 By 2050, total MSK cases are expected to exceed one billion people globally.3 These trends point to a long-term structural challenge, not a temporary spike.
For organizations supporting internationally distributed or mobile workforces, this growth signals a structural exposure that benefit strategies must be designed to manage consistently across regions—not market by market.
The economic impact on employers and beyond.
The rising number of MSK conditions carries significant financial impact. Across corporate health plans, MSK claims continue to grow in both regularity and cost, driven by aging workforces, sedentary lifestyles and the lasting effects of flexible work models.4 These plans see a high volume of outpatient MSK claims, often alongside nervous system and respiratory conditions.
Lifestyle factors add to the challenge. Inactivity, poor diet, obesity and chronic MSK issues often overlap with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and mental health conditions. These combined risks increase utilization and long-term costs, making prevention and workplace well-being critical for managing costs.4
Internal Blue Cross Blue Shield Global SolutionsSM claims data supports this trend, with MSK disorders being a major driver of both claim volume and cost across multiple segments.5 In the United States alone, MSK disorders are linked to an estimated $213 billion in annual healthcare spending, making them one of the highest cost categories.6
When MSK conditions are addressed late, costs rise quickly and often require surgery, extended rehab or long-term disability support. For benefits leaders, this reinforces a critical tradeoff: invest earlier in scalable MSK support or absorb higher downstream medical, productivity and disability costs that are harder to predict and control.
Where traditional MSK care falls short.
Even with their growing impact, many MSK conditions are still managed reactively, with care starting after an injury instead of focusing on early identification and prevention. Access to physical therapy and rehabilitation is limited, especially in rural areas, underserved communities and places with fewer providers.
Adherence is another challenge. In-person rehab often requires frequent visits, which can be difficult because of work schedules, location, transportation or limited support. Because of this, follow-through on home exercise programs without supervision is often low, with rates between 30% and 65%.6 Low adherence is closely tied to slower recovery and higher complication rates.
How digital MSK solutions bridge care gaps globally.
Digital MSK solutions help close these gaps by extending care beyond the clinic and into everyday life. For global benefits leaders, their value lies not only in technology, but in the ability to deliver consistent, evidence-based support across borders-without relying on local provider availability or infrastructure.
With remote monitoring, real-time feedback and personalized exercise programs, these digital MSK solutions provide ongoing, data-driven support. Advances in smartphones, wearable tech, cloud infrastructure and AI have made this type of care more scalable across regions.
These programs improve follow through, with adherence rates often reaching 65% to 85% compared with 40% to 60% in traditional care. Outcomes are comparable and patient satisfaction is often higher.6
Access to in-person MSK services varies widely around the world. About 72% of countries have limited direct access to musculoskeletal services, creating real gaps in care for globally mobile employees.7
For employees on international assignments, limited access can turn a manageable issue into a serious disruption. Digital MSK solutions reduce this risk by offering portable, standardized support that travels with the employee, helping organizations maintain continuity of care regardless of location or local provider availability.
For global benefits leaders, this supports:
- More equitable benefit design for international populations
- One scalable global solution instead of multiple local vendors
- Reliable support in regions with limited in-person care
- A stronger value proposition for attracting and retaining global talent
Providing portable MSK support shows a clear investment in employee well-being.
