Musculoskeletal (MSK) Costs Surge Again: What Employers Can Do
Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions remain one of the top cost drivers in employer health plans, and 2026 is shaping up to be another challenging year. Rising rates of chronic back pain, joint issues, and repetitive-strain injuries — combined with increased surgical utilization — are pushing MSK spending higher across all industries.
Employers are responding by shifting their focus from reactive treatment to proactive management. Several strategies are gaining traction:
Virtual Physical Therapy and Early Intervention
Digital MSK programs offering virtual PT, exercise therapy, and realtime coaching are showing strong results. Employers report reduced surgical referrals and lower imaging costs when employees receive early, guided intervention.
Second-Opinion and Surgical-Steerage Programs
High-cost orthopedic procedures remain a major driver of plan spending. Second-opinion services and centers-of-excellence programs help ensure employees receive appropriate care — and avoid unnecessary surgeries
Ergonomics and Workplace Redesign
With more employees returning to the office, employers are revisiting ergonomic assessments, sit-stand desks, and workstation adjustments. These small investments can significantly reduce repetitive-strain injuries.
Integrated Pain-Management Approaches
Employers are increasingly pairing MSK programs with behavioral health support, recognizing the strong connection between chronic pain, stress, and mental wellbeing. MSK costs are unlikely to decline in the near term, but employers who adopt early-intervention strategies, strengthen care navigation, and invest in ergonomics can meaningfully reduce both claims costs and employee downtime.
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Musculoskeletal (MSK) Costs Surge Again: What Employers Can Do
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