Musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms often go unreported until they begin to affect work. Many employees ignore back pain, shoulder discomfort, or neck stiffness, thinking the symptoms will go away or aren’t serious. However, if early symptoms are ignored, they can become harder to manage and more disruptive. Learn why MSK symptoms often go unnoticed, and how organizations can help employees get support sooner.
MSK Pain Often Goes Unreported
The National Safety Council reports that almost 30% of workers who experience pain on the job don’t report it. Some may consider minor aches and pains as a normal part of the workday, while others worry that speaking up could make them seem less capable. Employees may also be unsure when ordinary discomfort has become a problem that needs attention. As a result, HR may not learn about an MSK issue until it affects attendance, leads to an accommodation request, or results in a claim.
Small Discomforts Don’t Always Stay Small
MSK problems often develop gradually. A tight lower back can turn into a constant ache. Shoulder pain can make lifting or reaching more difficult. Wrist pain can change how someone types, uses equipment, or performs repetitive tasks. Employees may compensate by adjusting their movements, avoiding certain tasks, or continuing to work through pain until it becomes difficult to ignore.
If these problems get worse, they can lead to injuries that force employees to take time off work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded 568,150 cases in which workers missed days of work due to MSK issues, including sprains, strains, and tears. It also reported 248,180 cases of back injuries.
Missed Work Is Only Part of the Cost
These numbers show that MSK injuries are common, but missing work is only part of the story. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), including sprains, strains, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and back pain, are a leading cause of workplace productivity loss and can contribute to presenteeism. Employees may stay on the job, but pain can affect their movement, concentration, pace, and ability to perform physical or repetitive tasks. These issues can lower productivity even if they don’t lead to time off or a formal claim.
Earlier Support Can Make a Difference
A proactive MSK strategy begins with movement health. This means helping employees improve their mobility, stability, and strength so they can move more comfortably, put less stress on their bodies, and stay active over time.
Ergonomic improvements, job-specific safety practices, proper clinical care, and formal incident reporting are all important. A digital-first, preventive MSK benefit can support these efforts by providing employees with a practical way to assess their movement, identify common problem areas, and get advice on improving mobility and function.
Organizations can help employees take action sooner by teaching employees to recognize common MSK warning signs, making it clear how to report concerns, and offering resources that don’t require a referral.
AaptivMSK: Giving Employees a Place to Start
AaptivMSK offers employees a private, easy way to get started. With self-guided movement assessments, personalized care plans, and clinically validated programming for areas such as the lower back, neck, shoulders, hips, and knees, employees can begin improving how they move on their own time.
The plans adapt based on employee feedback and focus on improving mobility, stability, and strength in as little as five minutes a day. For employers, that means offering practical support before MSK symptoms begin to affect an employee’s comfort, mobility, or ability to work.
Learn more about Aaptiv employee fitness and wellness solutions.
