Osteopathy for business: the facts
How many people have their work and home life affected by musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)?
Approximately 25 % of adults are currently affected by a long-standing musculoskeletal condition (1).
As many as 75% of adults will experience back pain during their working life (2).
In 2006/07, an estimated 1 144 000 people in Great Britain believed they were suffering from a musculoskeletal disorder that was caused or made worse by their current or past work, a statistically significant rise since 2004 (3).
Up to 30% of all GP consultations are about musculoskeletal complaints, and are the most common repeat consultation reason (1).
What impact does this have on businesses?
An estimated 10.7 million working days were lost in 2006/07 through musculoskeletal disorders caused or made worse by work. On average, each person suffering took an estimated 16.7 days off in that 12 month period (3).
Work-related MSDs cost employers between £590 million and £624 million every year (2).
A reduced work-force, either due to MSD related absenteeism, or efficiency due to a diminished ability to work, may have huge repercussions throughout businesses. This may lead to: a failure to meet crucial deadlines and the subsequent financial effects of this delay; loss of custom and goodwill; extra costs in providing cover for absent employees; and an unhappy, unhealthy work-force.
What impact for the employee?
The pain and distress of a MSD (whether work-related or not) may have a huge impact on all aspects of an individual’s life, which may also lead to depression and anxiety regarding their condition (1).
Absenteeism from employment may result in loss of income and a resulting increase in stress. Back pain is the number one cause of long-term absence among manual workers and a common cause of short-term absence (1). MSD patients are the second largest group (22%) on incapacity benefit () this in turn has wider reaching effects on families, housing, finances, and general quality of life.
Common work-related conditions that osteopathy can help with include:
Repetitive strain injuries
Headaches and stress
Back and neck pain
Manual handling/lifting injuries
Computer hump
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Shoulder and arm pain
Driving related conditions (including whiplash injuries and sciatica) 
How can osteopathy help?
Osteopathic treatment can help both the employee and the employer.
Treatment for the individual may also include guidance on work station set up; postural advice; manual handling advice; self help exercises, and other management advice for reducing the risks of further future injuries.
Osteopathy aims to relieve pain and improve mobility, function and general health, helping to keep you in gainful employment in as much of a safe and pain free condition as possible, allowing you to maintain a better quality of life.
Employers can benefit from a fitter workforce with increased morale, who are more able to be efficient and productive due to improved health, comfort and mobility, with less time off for ill-health.
Osteopaths can form part of company health teams for larger businesses, but small firms may also benefit from a close liaison with the practice. Please contact us for further details.
References:
(1) The Musculoskeletal Services Framework’, Department of Health, July 2006
(2) Occupational Health Statistics Bulletin, Health and Safety Executive, 2004/5
(3) http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causdis/musculoskeletal/ Accessed 16th December 2007
(4) ‘Who cares wins: absence and labour turnover, 2005,’ CBI (in association with AXA) – May 2005