Suffering musculoskeletal pain? Huge survey wants the facts

In what is the largest research project of its kind in Australia, Musculoskeletal Australia (MSK) this week launched a national survey that aims to deliver the most comprehensive audit of what it is like to live with a musculoskeletal condition.

A pilot survey by MSK in July showed that respondents needed help and support to better manage their conditions and have an improved quality of life.

Without exception, respondents said affordable treatment options and services (e.g. physiotherapy, exercise classes, medication) would better help them manage their conditions.

Three-quarters said more government support, specifically for the ongoing costs of treatment (e.g. medication or extended chronic care plans), would also help them manage their condition.

The survey also found that being disconnected from health care professionals due to isolation and social distancing is causing stress and is forcing people to put up with more pain and discomfort.

While half of the pilot survey's respondents were of working age (aged 25-64), only 39% of them were actually working (43% were retired, 9% unable to work and 5% studying).

Anecdotally, it found that people who are working from home due to Covid-19 are suffering even more due to a lack of proper ergonomically designed chairs and desks.

A large number of pilot survey respondents were unable to work because of their condition and have had to either retire early, stop working, change to part-time work or seen their career plans affected by their condition.

With so many unable to work and earn as they would like, many report feeling severe financial strain, particularly over the high cost of appointments, private health insurance and medications.

Worsening matters, three-quarters of pilot survey participants were also living with another condition such as high blood pressure, heart disease, a mental health issue or gastrointestinal disease.

More than 70 per cent of pilot survey participants said their day-to-day physical activity, like walking or climbing stairs, is affected.

Other life impacts include a decrease in social activities, with 66 per cent saying their social life has been affected.

In all, there are more than 150 musculoskeletal conditions. They include common conditions such as osteoarthritis, back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoporosis and fibromyalgia.

MSK chief executive Rob Anderson said the new national survey is the first step to providing a broader understanding of participants' experiences, needs and how to best support them.

The results, once compiled, will provide MSK with a better understanding of the needs and experiences of the seven million Australians living with a condition and how their care can be improved.

"We strongly encourage everyone living with a musculoskeletal condition, or those caring for someone, to complete the survey. It takes only 10 minutes to complete and will greatly assist MSK and other organisations to better engage Australians living with these conditions and improve their quality of life," Mr Anderson said.

The survey will also enable MSK to foster partnerships with stakeholders to advocate for more investment in the services and support required by those living with a musculoskeletal condition.

MSK is working with various partner organisations to increase the reach of the survey throughout Australia. They include the Australian Pain Management Association, Chronic Illness Alliance, Dragon Claw, Painaustralia and Pain Revolution.

The survey will close on October 14, with findings released in late November.

To take part, visit www.msk.org.au