Overall economic burden of MSK conditions is over $22 billion annually
Ottawa, ON (March 8, 2016) – Today, the Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA) brought chiropractors from across Canada to Parliament Hill to raise awareness of the tremendous impact of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions on the health of our workforce and our economy. As the fifth largest provider and purchaser of health care in Canada, the federal government must commit to making MSK health a priority in the upcoming budget.
“A staggering 11 million Canadians suffer from at least one MSK condition each year, like back, neck, and joint pain, and these conditions are the second leading driver of short- and long-term disability claims in Canada,” says Dr. Robert David, Chair of the CCA. “MSK conditions significantly impact Canada’s productivity, where up to 85% of workers will suffer from back pain at least once in their lifetime. In fact, MSK diseases cost Canada over $22 billion each year—a massive amount that needs to be taken into consideration, particularly with the expected deficit to be announced in the upcoming budget.”
Without a healthy MSK system, one’s quality of life and ability to work and contribute to society is greatly compromised. With the government’s renewed focus on health and health care, Canada’s chiropractors are hoping the promises expressed during the campaign and in Ministerial Mandate Letters will soon be put into action; health care dollars can be used more effectively when it comes to back and neck pain.
“Over 9,000 Canadian chiropractors see the impact of MSK conditions on the lives of Canadians every day, and these conditions are actually the leading cause of short- and long-term disability across Canada,” continued David. “Yet compared to other chronic conditions, MSK health receives insufficient attention and there is little coordination of efforts to improve access to the right care.”
In communities across Canada, Canadian chiropractors, as spine, muscle, and nervous system experts, already play an important role in helping relieve the Canadian health care system of the burden of MSK conditions by providing evidence-informed, conservative care options to 4.5 million Canadians every year.
“We can start with a government commitment that makes MSK health a priority in preparing for a new Health Accord,” concludes David. “Canada has a unique opportunity to set itself apart, to adopt strategic approaches to support the health of Canadians and boost our economy. We look forward to working with all parties to ensure that MSK issues are made a priority.”
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For more information, please contact:
Cynthia Waldmeier, CCA Public Affairs
Telephone: 613-233-8906/ 613-894-2128 (cell)
Email: cynthia@impactcanada.com
The Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA) is a national association representing 7,800 of Canada’s 9,000 licensed doctors of chiropractic. Approximately four and a half million Canadians use the services of a chiropractor each year. The CCA advocates on behalf of members and their patients to advance the quality and accessibility of chiropractic care in Canada, and to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the health care system. For more information on the CCA or for a referral to a doctor of chiropractic, please visit www.chiropractic.ca.