Shedding light on silent suffering of over 7 million Australians

Pharma News: A staggering one in three Australians grapples with debilitating musculoskeletal conditions, such as back pain, arthritis, and a multitude of other painful muscle, bone, and joint ailments, according to Musculoskeletal Australia (MSK). The most disheartening aspect? Many of these individuals suffer in silence.

MSK CEO, Helen Jentz, is determined to change this narrative. She revealed that a new survey, scheduled to open on October 31, 2023, aims to “lift the cloak of invisibility” and provide those affected with a stronger platform to voice their concerns and struggles.

“The 2020 survey painted a very clear and confronting picture of the painful reality of life with a musculoskeletal condition,” Ms Jentz expressed. “Because these conditions and their impacts are not always seen or discussed, those living with them feel completely invisible. Musculoskeletal Australia exists to improve the lives of Australians who are negatively impacted by these conditions, and this survey is just one of the ways we do this.”

This initiative follows Australia’s most extensive national survey of people living with musculoskeletal conditions in 2020. The 2023 edition seeks to build upon the earlier findings, allowing researchers to map changes over time and delve into the financial hardships endured by those afflicted with these conditions.

The survey is set to launch on October 31, coinciding with Musculoskeletal Australia’s annual “Rattle Ya Bones Day,” and will remain open for responses until December 31.

Musculoskeletal conditions are, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), the third highest contributor to the national non-fatal burden of disease in the country. These conditions, unbeknownst to many, do not discriminate and can profoundly impact a person’s life across the years.

Musculoskeletal Australia has joined forces with the Australian Rheumatology Association and Painaustralia. Their aim is to “shed light on the experiences, challenges, and needs of these consumers and to foster understanding and advocacy,” as stated by Australian Rheumatology Association CEO Tracey Rudd. Their collective goal over the next eight weeks is to gather over 5,000 responses, uniting individuals and organizations to shape a brighter future for those battling musculoskeletal and inflammatory conditions.

Painaustralia CEO Giulia Jones welcomed the national survey, emphasizing their eagerness to learn from people living with chronic pain conditions, including musculoskeletal conditions.

Ms Jentz explained that this collaboration will refocus musculoskeletal conditions as a national health priority. “It is time we pulled off the ‘cloak of invisibility’ to get a clear picture of the impact musculoskeletal conditions have so we can deliver real, systemic change and life-altering solutions for these invisible Australians.”

The 2023 National Musculoskeletal Consumer Survey will be accessible on the Musculoskeletal Australia website from October 31 to December 31, 2023. This initiative strives to empower individuals and highlight the struggles of those often overshadowed by their invisible pain.

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