Act now: Musculoskeletal health inequalities and deprivation. Report of ARMA’s inquiry (March 2024)

Summary

Throughout 2023, the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) carried out the first ever national inquiry into musculoskeletal (MSK) health inequalities.

The inquiry found that the prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal conditions are not experienced equally across the population. Musculoskeletal conditions are linked to deprivation and age, are more prevalent in women and disproportionately affect some ethnic groups. Deprivation is a significant driver of inequalities in MSK health. People in deprived areas experience more chronic pain, are more likely to have a long term MSK condition and experience worse clinical outcomes and quality of life. These inequalities are avoidable through changes in the design and delivery of MSK services, and actions to address wider determinants of health and prevention.

The report makes recommendations to reduce health inequalities in MSK care, treatment and outcomes.