Virtual Musculoskeletal (MSK) Solutions

• The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) estimates that one in two adults in the United States is affected by a musculoskeletal condition. In 2016, musculoskeletal disorders, and in particular chronic low back pain, were among the main causes of years lived with disability.
• Low-income populations tend to be the most affected by MSK disorders, with Black populations more likely to say that pain disrupts their daily life than other populations.
• As the population ages and continues to grow, the incidence of MSK disorders is rapidly increasing.
• MSK conditions account for over $380 billion in annual spending and—according to a 2023 national survey of large employers—MSK conditions are the second largest driver of health care costs, behind cancer care.

• A robust market of virtual MSK solutions has emerged that use a combination of clinical and AI-enabled support to guide patients through therapy.
• Purchasers would benefit from a clearer understanding of the range of technology solutions on the market today, how they address purchasing goals (e.g., access, convenience, lower cost of care), and how they can be integrated with existing benefits.

Given the burden of disease and impact on the healthcare system, payers, providers, and patients are eager to understand when virtual MSK solutions provide meaningful results for patients at a lower cost. There are multiple technologies—including ones with computer vision, wearable sensors, and those that leverage AI recommendations—available in the U.S. market. These technologies differ in accuracy, accessibility, ease of use, features, and price.