Back pain and rheumatoid arthritis cost €750m in sick days

BACK PAIN, rheumatoid arthritis and similar conditions are costing the economy €750 million a year, as they account for half of all the sick days taken by workers.

The report on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) released in Brussels showed early diagnosis and treatment is the key to improving people’s quality of life and getting them back to work quickly.

The study points out that Ireland has fewer rheumatology consultants than the 24 other countries surveyed, except for Portugal and Turkey.