QUALITY OF LIFE, ACTIVITY AND PRODUCTIVITY ARE AFFECTED BY PAINFUL ORTHOPEDIC CONDITIONS. 

One in two Americans over the age of 18 and nearly three out of four age 65 and older have a musculoskeletal condition costing an estimated $213 billion each year in treatment, care and lost wages, according to a report by the United States Bone and Joint Initiative (USBJI), The Impact of Musculoskeletal Disorders on Americans: Opportunities for Action.

The study finds that the quality of life, activity and productivity of an estimated 126.6 million American adults are affected by painful conditions and disorders affecting the bones, joints and muscles, a number which is comparable to the total percentage of Americans living with chronic lung or heart conditions. Among children, musculoskeletal conditions are surpassed only by respiratory infections as a cause of missed school days.

The report states that arthritis and related conditions top the list of orthopedic ailments (51.8 million adults) followed by back and neck pain (75.7 million combined). With an aging population, the number of people faced with musculoskeletal discomfort can be expected to greatly increase.

Fortunately, advances in diagnostic and treatment technologies, such as those that are available from the sub-specialists at ONS, can provide patients with pain relief and a safe return to mobility. However, the report underscores the importance of injury prevention strategies for individuals of all ages and the need for prompt treatment when injuries occur and orthopedic conditions first appear. With top orthopedists, neurosurgeons, physical therapists and physiatrists, ONS is committed to finding non-surgical options as the first line of treatment. Only 10 percent of ONS patients require surgery.