The aging of the population has increased the prevalence and prevalence rate of musculoskeletal conditions as well as health care expenditures.  In the years 1996 to 1998, an average of 22 million persons age 45 to 64 years reported a musculoskeletal condition, while 16.5 million of those 65 years and older did so. By 2009 to 2011, these numbers had increased to about 39 million and 25 million, respectively.

Women account for both a higher proportion of the population with musculoskeletal disease and more than half of total costs. With 36% of women reporting musculoskeletal diseases compared to 30% of men, women accounted for 56% of aggregate costs in 2011.

Whites and non-Hispanics account for the majority of cost, with 84% and 92%, respectively. Although a similar share of one-third of all persons in all education levels report musculoskeletal diseases, due to lower numbers with higher education, these groups represent a smaller share of aggregate total cost.