The economic impact of musculoskeletal disorders.

Musculoskeletal disorders have a major impact on society in terms of morbidity, long-term disability and economics. As populations increase and age, payment for medical care and indirect costs from loss of earnings will increase. Both rheumatoid arthritis and low back pain have a great economic impact on society, and the costs of these are escalating problems. Statistics are analysed from various studies in the United States and Canada, and these highlight the need for more rational and effective health care management strategies.