The number of adults in Ireland with diagnosed musculoskeletal conditions (MSCs), such as arthritis and back pain, is expected to increase substantially by 2020.

This according to new research published by the Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH).

The organisation stated that greater focus on prevention to reduce risk factors and promote healthier lifestyles will help moderate this increase.

"Musculoskeletal conditions are a group of diseases that affect the body's bones, joints, muscles and the tissues that connect them. Common MSCs include back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and spinal disorders," explained IPH Research Analyst, Steve Barron.

"MSCs are the most common cause of severe long-term pain and physical disability in developed countries."

In 2010, 395,000 adults (11.9%) had diagnosed lower back pain or any other chronic back condition. Meanwhile,
169,000 adults (5.1%) had diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis and 140,000 adults (4.2%) had diagnosed osteoarthritis.

By 2020 the number of adults with diagnosed back pain is expected to increase to 453,000 (12.6%). This represents a 15% increase in the number of adults (an additional 57,000 adults) in ten years.

The number of adults with diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis is expected to increase to 218,000 (6.1%). This represents a 30% increase in the number of adults (an additional 50,000 adults) in ten years.

The number of adults with diagnosed osteoarthritis is expected to increase to 181,000 (5.0%). This represents a 29% increase in the number of adults (an additional 41,000 adults) in ten years.

The steep rise in diagnosed MSCs will have significant implications for the patients concerned, their families, as well as the health and social care system and Ireland's economy.

Mr Barron said that the implications could be even greater than these figures suggest because they do not include undiagnosed cases and so are likely to be an underestimate of the total number of adults with these MSCs. Furthermore, the available data relate to specific MSCs such as arthritis or back pain and so do not include all MSCs.

A greater focus on prevention to reduce risk factors and promote healthier lifestyles, particularly in relation to physical activity and occupational health (such as proper manual handling, less repetitive motions) will help moderate these increases.

Prevention programmes should also address social, environmental and other issues that influence the development of MSCs.

Prof Oliver Fitzgerald, Clinical Lead of the Health Service Executive's Rheumatology Clinical Care Programme said: "The objectives of the national programme include the allocation of a musculoskeletal extended scope physiotherapist to each rheumatology centre and the development and implementation of a MSC clinical pathway spanning primary and secondary care."

Prof Fitzgerald hopes that these initiatives along with others being implemented by the national programme will ensure patients can have timely access to the most appropriate treatment and management for their condition.

Click here to visit the Irishhealth.com Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinic.