by Adrian Bradley, CEO ARMA
The link between health and economic activity has become a central focus of policy. New analysis from the ONS and NHS England, highlighted by the King’s Fund, shows how health and work are closely connected. Poor health reduces employment and productivity, and long NHS waiting lists hold people back from returning to work. Improving musculoskeletal (MSK) health will undoubtedly deliver major economic benefits. Fewer people in pain means fewer absences, more people able to stay in work, and greater productivity.
But the value of good MSK health goes far beyond economics. Work matters, yet life is more than work. Health is the foundation of quality of life – enabling us to move, connect, participate and find joy in the everyday. When we reduce MSK pain and disability, we improve not only employability but also wellbeing, life satisfaction and happiness. These are outcomes every bit as important as GDP.
As the King’s Fund author Siva Anandaciva reminds us, “Better health is about more than having a job.”[i] We must be careful not to allow economic potential to shape who gets treated first, or how care is prioritised. The ethical danger of tying treatment decisions too closely to employment status is real. Health policy should serve people, not productivity statistics.
We must also recognise that MSK conditions affect people outside of working age. More of our children and young people are affected than ever before, and good MSK health is essential to healthy, happy ageing.
That said, the growing effort to connect the health and economic agendas is welcome. Linking data across systems can help policymakers understand the full impact of delayed treatment and design prevention strategies that keep people well and active. But the ultimate goal must remain clear: to help people live better lives, not just to help them work longer ones.
As we mark Bone and Joint Week (12 – 20 October), it’s a good moment to remember why MSK health matters so deeply. The week shines a spotlight on the importance of caring for our bones, joints and muscles – the foundations of movement, independence and participation in life. By raising awareness, sharing stories and promoting prevention, Bone and Joint Week reminds us that good MSK health underpins not just a strong economy, but a society where everyone can thrive.
ARMA will continue to make the case that improving MSK health is one of the smartest investments a country can make – not only because it drives economic participation, but because it enables fulfilment, independence and happiness. A healthier nation is a more prosperous one, yes – but more importantly, it is one where everyone has the opportunity to live well.
[i] https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/blogs/tackling-waiting-lists-health-work-economy