The true prevalence and burden of neuromuscular diseases is likely underestimated due to insufficient research in the area. These conditions often cause significant pain, motor impairment, loss of work and can lead to chronic disability. They may require lifelong rehabilitative care, utilizing many resources in the form of pain management, physical and occupational therapy, bracing, wound and nursing care.  Quality of life can be severely affected.

Additional data on costs can be found directly in the data tables associated with this chapter. Due to limited variability, small samples, and the desire to highlight primary key findings, not all data in the tables is discussed. In addition, data on specific conditions (spine, arthritis and related conditions, osteoporosis, and injuries), as well as the child and adolescent section, are discussed within the pages relative to each condition or population.