April 15, 1997. The enormous impact of musculoskeletal conditions is not generally appreciated because, in most instances, they are not life-threatening. However, these diseases and disorders are chronic, many cause life-long pain, disability or disfigurement. They afflict millions of Americans, cause tremendous human suffering, and cost the United States economy billions of dollars in health care and lost productivity.
Musculoskeletal diseases affect people from birth to old age.
There are no boundaries. A variety of disabling, potentially crippling, and sometimes deadly disorders and deformities of the musculoskeletal system afflict children 18 and under. These diseases and injuries, if treated incorrectly or not treated at all, only worsen as a child grows, and can impair normal growth. Deterioration and degeneration occur in previously unaffected joints and tissues. This can lead to permanent disability and deformity lasting an individual's lifetime.