Member News
The Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA)
Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance launches a programme on musculoskeletal conditions and mental health with Policy Position Paper
Many people with musculoskeletal conditions are affected psychologically – at diagnosis, living with symptoms, the effect on work and socially and when managing side effects. The pain and restrictions of a long-term musculoskeletal condition can lead to additional mental health problems. For the working age population in the UK, mental and musculoskeletal health conditions are the most common
- 35.2% of all working-aged disabled people in the UK experience musculoskeletal conditions only;
- 20.2% experience mental health conditions only;
- and 17.2% experience both.
In policy directives and in practice, these conditions are often dealt with separately but the reality for people is that there is a relationship between their mental health and musculoskeletal conditions.
This policy position paper on musculoskeletal and mental health identifies a number of areas where ARMA members, patient, professional and research organisations and experts in mental and musculoskeletal conditions felt that there is particular scope for improvement. Commissioners, clinicians, providers, professional and training bodies can use these areas to identify where there are significant opportunities for positive change.
The Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) works in partnership with its members, CEOs, directors, policy and communication professionals.
This policy position paper on mental and musculoskeletal health is part of a programme of activity, including a round-table event and the flagship ARMA annual lecture for 2019.
Please get in touch if you would like to work with us to promote this paper, round-table or 2019 lecture or would like us to write a blog or article for your publication or are interested in other collaboration.
