Why musculoskeletal care matters

This post was written by Jason Hoeppner, PT, MBA, CEAS III, manager, Workplace Ergonomics and Rehabilitation, Parkview Health.

There’s no doubt that a musculoskeletal ache, pain or soreness affects an employee’s ability to perform job duties, take care of home-related tasks and participate in recreational activities. Most of us can relate, as we’ve likely had to deal with an ache, pain or soreness in our muscles or joints.

Unfortunately, musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are incredibly common. An estimated 1 in 2 Americans encounter debilitating musculoskeletal pain that affects their mental disposition, sleep and movement.
 

The cost of pain

Not only do MSD issues affect many people, they also cost employees and employers a significant annual expense.  According to Evernorth Health Services, an estimated $420 billion is spent annually on MSD-related healthcare, more than diabetes, heart disease or any other chronic conditions. More specifically, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), employers are spending an estimated $13 to $54 billion annually on work-related MSD injuries (direct medical cost is estimated to range $15 to $85 thousand per case). 

In addition to these direct medical costs, we should be mindful of the hidden costs associated with an MSD. This includes decreased productivity (presenteeism or absenteeism), personnel replacement, retraining and overtime.
 

Categorizing these injuries

Nearly all MSD-related healthcare spending can be classified into one of three subgroups:

• Major trauma, such as fractures and crush injuries
• Autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Wear and tear, which includes strains and sprains, more serious tears of muscles, tendons and ligaments, ruptured discs in the spine and degenerative conditions of the joints

According to Evernorth’s data, wear and tear conditions account for 63.5% or nearly two-thirds of all MSD-related utilization and spend. There are multiple factors that contribute to the progression of a wear and tear MSD injury, whether it occurs at work or outside of work:

• Activity repetition, force, and duration
• Age
• Previous injuries
• Proper sleep
• Body habitus: tightness, weakness, obesity
• Underlying health conditions: diabetes, high blood pressure
• Tobacco user
• Proper body preparation and recovery from musculoskeletal straining tasks
   

Addressing MDS injuries in the workplace

Healthcare professionals must recognize that this is not a one-size-fits-all approach. To reduce instances of MSDs, it would be beneficial to consider:

• Employer conversations: Have a discussion and provide guidance to employers to acknowledge that MSDs have a high propensity to impact business operations. Illustrate the importance of implementing strategies to reduce work-related injuries, as well as personal medical utilization. 
   
  • Encourage the employer to have a comprehensive review of MSD-related expenditures on both the work-related and personal medical ledgers. This will give a better picture of how the employee is utilizing healthcare dollars for MSD-related needs.
     
• Employee involvement: One of the most essential components to reducing MSD-related ailments and mitigating the risk of future MSD injuries is behavioral modification to lifestyle choices and body preparation/recovery. Taking care of the body requires some effort and commitment. Gradually progressing change may assist in employee buy-in and sustained changes. 
   
  • Building on small wins may open the employee to being receptive to other interventions to improve overall body health and lifestyle changes.
     
• Healthcare strategies: There are a variety of health-related strategies that could be utilized in caring for MSD-related ailments. The focus of healthcare strategies here is mitigating the risk of MSDs occurring. Leaning into the expertise of wellness coaches and physical therapist/occupational therapist should be considered when establishing strategies to:
  ​
  • Address ergonomics and proper movements of workstations and work areas.
  • Develop and implement musculoskeletal wellness programs and “huddle” movements.
  • Address aches, pains and soreness before it progresses into an injury or debilitating pain.
  • Establish an accountability partner to perform wellness routines and exercise.
  • Provide education and guidance on changes to improve general health.
  • Provide education and guidance on proper body preparation and recovery from work and recreational activities.
     

Employee resources to support a healthy workforce

Parkview Employer Solutions partners with area businesses to deliver innovative services that improve employees' health and well-being. Services include Occupational Health, Proactive Injury Care, Employer Clinics, Employee Assistance Programs, Workplace Wellness, and more. Contact [email protected] for additional information.

 

 

 

 

Source  

Evernorth Health Services, “The health care total cost of musculoskeletal conditions,” August 3, 2022.