Musculoskeletal conditions

Musculoskeletal conditions

Musculoskeletal conditions (MSK) are a range of over 200 disorders which affect the joints, bones, muscles and soft tissues. While rarely fatal, they can be very debilitating and can have a significant social and economic impact on a person's life.

 

Estimates from the Labour Force Survey show that the total number of cases of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in 2024/25 was 511,000, a prevalence rate of 1,470 per 100,000 workers and musculoskeletal disorders accounted for 27% of all work-related ill health cases in Great Britain.

Key findings

• In the Lancashire-12 area 21.5% of the population aged 16+ report a musculoskeletal condition (defined as joint problems), significantly higher than the England rate (17.9%) (2024). In Blackpool (25.7%) the proportion is also significantly higher than England whereas in Blackburn with Darwen it is similar (17.7%).
• 8 of Lancashire's districts have significantly higher proportion of the population reporting MSK problems when compared with England, these include Wyre (26.9% - highest in the county), Hyndburn (25.6%), Burnley (24.4%), Rossendale (22.3%), Fylde (22.1%), West Lancashire (21.4%), Pendle (20.4%), and Chorley (19.9%).
• 16.5% of the population in Lancashire report at least two long-term conditions (where one is MSK), which is again significantly higher than England (13.4%). Blackpool (20.0%) is also significantly higher whilst Blackburn with Darwen (12.9%) is similar to England.
• 7 districts within Lancashire also have significantly higher rates when compared with England, these include Wyre (21.9%), Hyndburn (20.2%), Burnley (19.6%), Lancaster (17.6%), Rossendale (17.3%), Fylde (16.4%), West Lancashire (15.7%).
• Figures from the 2023/24 Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) indicate that across the Lancashire-12 area there are 8,986 (0.8%, 2^nd highest quintile in England) persons (aged 16+) with a confirmed diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. In Blackpool this number is 1,377 (0.9%, within the highest quintile) and in Blackburn with Darwen it is 1,090 (0.7%, in the 2^nd lowest quintile).  
• Lancashire's rate of hip fractures in persons aged over 65 (2023/24) is 515 per 100,000 lower than observed for England overall (547 per 100,000), Blackburn also has a significantly lower rate of fractures (422) but in Blackpool the rate is significantly higher than England at 660 per 100,000.

MSK is an area that is considered to be under reported by the QOF disease registers, due to disparity between the recorded prevalence and prevalence estimates taken from research studies which can vary widely, with one such study suggesting that a fifth of the population (aged 16+) will consult a GP about an MSK related condition each year.

For further details, please see the Versus Arthritis musculoskeletal calculator and the 'State of musculoskeletal health 2024' report (PDF 1.5MB). 

For county and unitary data and further information please see below

Page updated November 2025