Roughly half of Americans experience back, neck, shoulder or other musculoskeletal (MSK) pain in any given year, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and National Health Interview Survey.
That number is also painful for business, costing employers $353 billion annually. Employees missed an average of 8.2 days of work in 2022 because of MSK pain.
According to the Hinge Health 2025 State of Musculoskeletal Health Report, MSK conditions affect about 40% of U.S. adults and generate annual medical expenses of an estimated $381 billion. In 2024, 74% of employers cited MSK conditions as a top driver of health care spending. Plus, as more older adults remain in the workforce, MSK issues are likely to be even more prevalent.
A Better, Bundled Approach
Certainly, training employees to work safely can help reduce these numbers. But so can giving them access to high-quality, cost-effective treatment such as Vanderbilt's Musculoskeletal MyHealth Bundles. Leveraging Vanderbilt Health's medical expertise, bundles treat common ortho and spine conditions while prioritizing a better patient experience, appropriate care and a faster return to work.
These bundles provide patients with individualized support from a navigator and a personalized treatment plan, including office and telehealth visits, therapies, medical equipment and even surgery if determined to be the most appropriate course of treatment. All this comes with a predictable price for employers and low to no out-of-pocket costs for employees.
Vanderbilt Health offers two MSK bundles. The MyOrthoHealth Bundles cover treatment for:
- Shoulder pain
- Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee
- Hip and knee surgery
The MySpineHealth Bundle covers three of the most common spine procedures:
- Cervical fusion
- Lumbar fusion
- Lumbar laminectomy
Watch this informational video with Vanderbilt Health physicians explaining ways to address your back concerns—from minimally invasive options to common surgical spine procedures.
Value-Based Care Delivers Results
Musculoskeletal MyHealth Bundles are examples of value-based care (VBC), an approach that rewards providers for the quality, not quantity, of care they deliver. Vanderbilt’s MSK Bundles in particular have achieved outstanding results. For example, in 2024, 90% of MySpineHealth surgery patients returned to work in 90 days.
The program has performed roughly 350 joint replacements since 2020, and one patient credits the MSK bundle for “giving people their lives back." A vital part of the program, however, is to avoid surgery when possible. Compared to the national average, MyHealth Bundles’ surgery rates are 25% lower for hip osteoarthritis, 17% lower for knee osteoarthritis and 9% lower for shoulder pain.
Early Intervention Is Key
One of the key reasons for rising costs for MSK care is a lack of early intervention, driven by a lack of understanding about what to do to mitigate pain. Many employees also don’t realize that their benefits plan may cover MSK care. Without taking proper action, their conditions can worsen, leading to higher costs.
To learn how you can directly contract with Vanderbilt Health to get employees back to work faster and strengthen your bottom line, complete this form.
