Approximately 8% of all persons reporting musculoskeletal diseases in MEPS for the years 2009 to 2011 are under the age of 18 years. Roughly one in four (24.5%) musculoskeletal diseases occurs in persons age 65 years and older. Almost 40% of musculoskeletal diseases occur among persons age 45 to 64 years. Overall, more than 75% of musculoskeletal diseases are reported by persons under the age of 65 years.  

The fastest rate of growth in musculoskeletal diseases between 1996 and 2011, by age group, was among persons age 45 to 64 years. (Reference Table 10.1 PDF CSV)