the next wave -- musculoskeletal disorderA Willis Towers Watson survey identified musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) as a prioritized clinical focus for employers over the next three years, second only to metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

I do, indeed, anticipate that employers will have increasing interest in MSD (back pain, orthopedic issues, arthritis, etc.), qualifying this trend for the number six spot in my list of Top Ten Wellness stories of 2018.

The CDC, in recognition of this emphasis, is introducing a musculoskeletal disorder section to the Health Scorecard that many employers use.

This trend will continue as the workforce ages and employers realize they may be able to make more of a difference with MSD than they ever were with metabolic and cardiovascular disease, and that addressing musculoskeletal pain may be part of a solution to the epidemic of opioid abuse.

For more info, take a look at the Institute for Health and Productivity Management’s recent paper: Global Burden of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in the WorkPlace.

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Check out the full Top Ten list, with links to the stories I’ve covered so far.