This is why musculoskeletal disorders are so expensive to treat

If you've ever had low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, or any other type of physical health issue, you know it can be a burden to get it taken care of. Why is treating MSK issues so expensive? Who should we see for MSK treatment? And how can on-site health benefits help? OnCore Health has explored these questions and we've put together some basic guidelines.

Let's dive in!

MSK issues aren't just expensive, they account for the HIGHEST health spend in the United States. MSK issues cost more than cancer and heart disease combined.

Why?

While there are many reasons, there are three that primarily come to mind.

1. Visits to multiple providers

2. Unnecessary procedures

3. Lengthy treatment plans

Visits to multiple providers

Let's look at a common scenario. You just woke up in the morning, you're getting dressed for the day. You bend over to put your socks and shoes on and it hits you. Intense, searing pain in your low back. Your low back just "went out" and you're stuck in this bent forward position.

All these thoughts come into your head. "How am I going to go to work today? How am I going to be able to take care of my kids? I have so much to do but my back is in severe pain." The next question you have is, "where should I go to get this resolved?"

What are your options?

You could go to the ER, surgeon, sports medicine doctor, chiropractor, physical therapist, massage therapist, acupuncturist, family doctor, or even YouTube.

Many of these providers would offer you a Band-Aid treatment and refer out for imaging or to another specialist.

Most people don't know where to go so they go for treatment. So they go get a Band-Aid treatment, or find a snake-oil practitioner who will charge them a fortune for care. These options are expensive!

So where SHOULD you go?

We recommend a musculoskeletal specialist. A sports medicine doctor, chiropractor, or physical therapist. Not just any MSK specialist, but someone who practices ethical, evidence-based care. You need a practitioner who can accurately diagnose and treat your condition. Finding the right specialist is key in reducing health costs.

Unnecessary Procedures

Many medical procedures such as surgeries, MRIs, and injections can be avoided with proper care. In fact, research shows that up to around 30% of surgeries may be unnecessary. Costs of these procedures are much more expensive than conservative treatment, and often come with additional complications. By following evidence-based guidelines for MSK treatment, many high-cost procedures can be avoided, and can often yield better results.

There are times when surgeries, MRIs, and injections are warranted. We're suggesting you exhaust conservative treatment options first before jumping into higher priced, invasive procedures.

Lengthy Treatment Plans

Have you ever been to a chiropractor or a physical therapist and were told your treatment plan would be 12 weeks and you have to go multiple times per week?

This is crazy!

Research shows that most new injuries resolve ON THEIR OWN in 12 weeks. So whether you follow a 12 week treatment plan or do nothing, you're likely going to see the same result after 12 weeks.

Most people would rather not be in pain for 12 weeks, so they seek out care. Most care plans should seek to resolve pain and disfunction within 4-6 weeks barring major trauma.

Employer-sponsored health plans

One simple solution to this problem is employer-sponsored healthcare.

What is it?

Essentially it's when your employer (a company) pays directly for employees to use specific health services. In this case we'd be looking at on-site or virtual MSK care. By inserting a MSK expert on-site, we can eliminate many of the unnecessary costs associated with care while achieving outstanding results by following evidence-based guidelines.

Conclusion

We've explored what makes MSK disorders the most expensive type of health issue to treat. Visits to multiple providers, unnecessary procedures, and lengthy treatment plans all contribute to rising health costs. OnCore Health is on a mission to reduce health spending for both employers and general consumers by implementing employer-sponsored health care, starting with MSK care.

What frustrations have you had with receiving care for MSK issues? Would you like to have an expert at your office? Let us know below!