The rising cost of musculoskeletal conditions in Australia

A new report from Arthritis and Osteoporosis Victoria, A problem worth solving: the rising cost of musculoskeletal conditions in Australia,  makes a case for why there needs to be a proactive, strategic response.  In 2012 the study found that there had been 6.1 million Australians affected (26.9% of the population), including 2.9 million people with back problems, 1.9 million people with osteoarthritis, 0.8 million people with osteoporosis and 0.5 million people with rheumatoid arthritis.

The cost to the Australian economy of these conditions in 2012 was estimated at $55.1 billion, including direct health costs, lost productivity and reduced quality of life.  A 43% growth in cases was projected over the next 20 years, especially in people over 75.