Population Aging Identified as Main Driver of Musculoskeletal Disorders

A recent comprehensive study highlights that population aging has emerged as the predominant factor contributing to the rising global burden of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and back pain. Scheduled for publication in the "Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases," the research analyzed data from 1990 to 2021 across 204 countries and territories.

The study found that approximately one-third of nations worldwide experienced population aging as the leading cause behind increases in MSD-related health issues during this period. Notably, middle-income countries faced the highest proportional impact, despite having relatively younger populations compared to high-income countries. This indicates a rapid demographic transition combined with healthcare systems often unprepared to meet the increasing needs of aging populations.

The research team employed data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 to differentiate the effects of population growth, age-specific epidemiological rates, and aging itself. They also assessed the economic impact, revealing that in 2021, age-related MSDs incurred healthcare costs totaling around US$96 billion globally, representing about 0.10% of the world’s gross domestic product. This surpasses expenditures linked to other modifiable risk factors.

Findings showed that men experienced a greater impact from aging on MSDs in high- and middle-income countries, whereas women were more affected in lower-middle-income regions. Osteoarthritis emerged as the most affected disorder globally, followed by gout and rheumatoid arthritis.

Senior author Hai-Feng Pan emphasized that the impact of population aging on MSDs varies across regions, and middle-income countries are particularly vulnerable due to rapid demographic shifts and limited healthcare resilience. Professor Lyn March underscored the substantial health and economic burdens, stressing the urgent need for targeted public health strategies.

The study advocates for prioritizing preventive measures, optimizing healthcare management, and ensuring sustainable funding to address the challenge. Policymakers are encouraged to tailor interventions based on sociodemographic and sex-specific factors, ultimately aiming to reduce disability, enhance quality of life among older adults, and strengthen health systems. As population aging accelerates, these insights are vital for future healthcare planning and resource allocation.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-analysis-isolates-population-aging-primary.html