According to the Ontario Health Survey, 40% of all chronic disorders are caused by musculoskeletal conditions. Additionally, 54% of all cases of long-term disability are caused by to musculoskeletal diseases 1).

Based on surveys carried out in Canada, the United States, and Western Europe, physical disabilities caused by musculoskeletal conditions assume a 4%-5% prevalence in the adult population 2).

1)
Badley EM, Rasooly I, Webster GK. Relative importance of musculoskeletal disorders as a cause of chronic health problems, disability, and health care utilization: findings from the 1990 Ontario Health Survey. J Rheumatol. 1994;21:505–514
2)
Reynolds DL, Chambers LW, Badley EM, Bennett KJ, Goldsmith CH, Jamieson E, Torrance GW, Tugwell P. Physical disability among Canadians reporting musculoskeletal diseases. J Rheumatol. 1992;19:1020–1030.