Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders are draining your bottom line—quietly, constantly, and massively. They don’t just affect workers. They eat into productivity, increase insurance claims, and drive up healthcare costs across the board.
If you think ignoring workplace MSK risks saves money, think again. Let’s break down the real cost of doing nothing.
$213 Billion: The Real Annual Cost of MSK Disorders in the U.S.
MSK disorders cost the U.S. economy around $213 billion per year, combining both direct and indirect costs:
- $130 billion in direct medical expenses like surgeries, physical therapy, imaging, and medications.
- $83 billion in indirect costs, including lost productivity, absenteeism, and disability claims.
That’s nearly 20% of total health-related expenses for many insurance companies.
And these numbers are rising.
Over 25% of Workers’ Compensation Claims Are MSK-Related
MSK issues are the #1 cause of workplace injuries.
They make up more than a quarter of all workers’ compensation claims. And these claims aren’t cheap. They’re often long-term, chronic, and recurring—causing a cycle of high costs and ongoing treatment.
For employers, this means:
- More time off for injured workers.
- Higher insurance premiums.
- Lost operational efficiency.
- Greater strain on HR and health and safety teams.
For insurers, this means:
- More claims.
- More complex cases.
- Bigger payouts.
MSK Disorders Are a Major Driver of Disability Claims
MSK conditions are not only common—they’re disabling.
They’re a top cause of long-term disability claims, which are among the most expensive for insurers to cover. These claims often include:
- Extended time away from work.
- Multiple rounds of therapy or surgeries.
- Ongoing medication.
Each disability claim can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Now multiply that across a workforce or insurance pool.
The Impact on Worker Satisfaction and Retention
When workers suffer from MSK disorders, it affects more than just their physical health:
- Long wait times for treatment and limited access to specialists cause frustration.
- Generic treatment plans often fail, leading to recurring pain and claims.
- Low satisfaction can push workers to seek other jobs or leave the workforce entirely.
For employers, this means high turnover and difficulty retaining experienced staff.
For insurers, it leads to poor customer retention and bad reviews.
Why Doing Nothing Creates a Competitive Disadvantage
Insurers and employers who ignore MSK risks are falling behind. Why?
Because more proactive competitors are already offering:
- Ergonomic workplace assessments.
- Digital self-assessments powered by AI.
- 24/7 access to preventive and rehabilitative care.
- Lower-cost hybrid care models.
If you’re not offering MSK prevention solutions, you’re losing ground.
The ROI of Prevention: Aictive’s Data-Backed Solution
Aictive helps insurers and employers cut MSK treatment costs by 30%, saving up to $63.9 billion annually across the industry.
Our approach combines AI and digital tools to deliver:
- Ergonomic evaluations using just a phone or webcam.
- Autonomous assessments with AI-based movement analysis.
- 200+ personalized exercise routines to prevent or manage MSK pain.
- Hybrid care models to reduce costs and improve access.
We also reduce workplace injury claims by 20%, boost worker satisfaction, and provide 24/7 access to care.
Want to Learn More?
Let’s talk about how Aictive can cut your MSK-related costs and keep your workforce healthy