Musculoskeletal Pain in the Workforce The Effects of Back, Arthritis, and Fibromyalgia Pain on Quality of Life and Work Productivity

Objective: To investigate the impact of musculoskeletal pain on health-related quality of life and work productivity losses among US workers. Methods: Data from the 2008 US National Health and Wellness Survey were used. Among those currently employed aged 20 to 64 years (N = 30,868), workers with arthritis (n = 2,670), back (n = 4,920), and fibromyalgia (n = 439) pain were compared with workers without those respective musculoskeletal pain conditions. Results: Arthritis, back, and fibromyalgia pain were all associated with significantly lower levels of health-related quality of life, often at clinically meaningful levels. All pain conditions were associated with higher levels of work productivity loss, even after adjusting for demographic and health characteristics. Conclusions: Musculoskeletal pain conditions were highly prevalent and associated with a significant burden. Improved management of these conditions may lead to improved productivity, benefiting both employers and workers alike.