Chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain and depression devastate millions of lives every year. A well-documented relationship between these conditions shows that, more often than not, they coexist—and when they do, one disorder tends to worsen the symptoms and outcomes of the other.
The comorbid nature of MSK and mental health disorders should ring the alarm bell for all stakeholders, especially those responsible for covering the cost of care. Collectively, these conditions account for more than $560 billion in annual healthcare costs and 21 percent of employer healthcare spend. Understanding how these conditions intersect is critical to solving their massive impact on member lives and total healthcare spend.
