Musculoskeletal Disorders
Chronic Pain Doesn’t Have to Define You
Lower back pain (LBP) affects around 9.5 million people in the UK each year and is the nation’s leading cause of disability. Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions overall affect nearly one in three people, costing billions in healthcare and lost workdays. The impact grows with age—up to 25% of adults over 80 report back pain, often managed with painkillers alone. Key risks include inactivity, obesity, smoking, and long periods of sitting. Staying active, improving sleep, and accessing physiotherapy are proven strategies for relief and prevention.
About
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Lower Back Pain & Musculoskeletal Burden in the UK: A Widespread Challenge with Strategies for Relief
1. Prevalence & Impact Across Britain
Lower back pain (LBP) is incredibly common across the UK—each year, around 9.5 million people experience it, with 5.8 million suffering from severe painVersus Arthritis. Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions as a whole affect about a third of the UK population, accounting for over 21% of years lived with disabilityBlackpool JSNAUK Parliament CommitteesUK Health Security Agency Blog. LBP alone is the leading cause of disability both in England and globallyUK Health Security Agency BlogWorld Health Organization. Among older adults, the disability impact is even higher, as prevalence and severity steadily increase with ageWorld Health OrganizationBioMed Central.
2. Human & Economic Toll
LBP burdens lives and public services alike—symptoms prompt repeat GP visits: over 29% of patients consult again within three monthsgpcpd.heiw.wales. Within the UK, 2.5 million people experience back pain daily, leading to £12.3 billion in costs, and an estimated 119 million workdays lost per yeargpcpd.heiw.wales. Though data from the late 1990s estimated direct NHS costs at £481 million annually, and total burden—including lost productivity—at over £5000 million, current figures are undoubtedly much higher.
3. Age & Risk Factors
LBP is not just a working-age issue—it remains highly prevalent among seniors. In one-month snapshots, about 25% of those aged 80+ report LBPPubMedBioMed Central. Disabling back pain in those aged 77–79 appears in 3.8%, rising to 9.7% among people in their 90sBioMed Central. Older adults are more likely to be prescribed only painkillers—and are less likely to receive physiotherapy or specialist referrals—highlighting potential gaps in care qualityPubMed. Risk factors include low physical activity, obesity, smoking, and prolonged sitting, while older adults may also underreport pain or accept it as “normal aging”World Health OrganizationThe TimesUK Health Security Agency Blog.
4. Management: What Works (and What Doesn’t)
Effective LBP management takes a biopsychosocial approach—especially for non-specific cases—focusing on rehabilitation, movement, and support systemsWorld Health Organization. Key strategies include:
Stay physically active—regular low-impact movement and exercise (walking, squats, lunges) alleviate symptoms and reduce recurrenceThe Times+1.
Break up sedentary behavior—even standing or walking for 5 minutes each hour helps prevent worsening painThe Times.
Promote quality sleep—poor sleep heightens pain and impedes recoveryThe Times.
Use simple over expensive solutions—changes in movement matter more than costly ergonomic chairsThe Times.
Avoid routine imaging—MRI scans aren’t usually helpful for non-specific LBP and can cause unnecessary anxietyThe Times.
Combine with supportive treatments—NSAIDs only when needed; physiotherapy, posture guidance, pain education are keyWorld Health OrganizationPubMedWikipedia.
5. Key Takeaways & Practical Tips
Low back pain and musculoskeletal issues are widespread in the UK—impacting mobility, mental health, the NHS, and the economy. Yet it’s not inevitable, and many steps can reduce both burden and disability.
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The Prosalud Vibrotherapy Solution
The Prosalud Solution: Vibrotherapy for Pain Relief and Mobility
Chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and low back pain are widespread in the UK, particularly in adults over 70. The Prosalud Solution uses vibrotherapy technology, both heated and non-heated, to target pain, improve circulation, and restore functional movement patterns. By combining gentle vibration with optional heat therapy, it addresses multiple contributors to musculoskeletal discomfort, including muscle stiffness, joint inflammation, and poor circulation.
Vibrotherapy works by stimulating nerve endings and muscles, enhancing blood flow, and encouraging the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relief chemicals. Heated vibration additionally helps relax tight muscles and increase tissue elasticity, making movement easier and reducing the risk of injury. This aligns with NHS recommendations to prioritise non-pharmacological interventions for chronic pain wherever possible.
Prosalud’s approach is designed for daily use in the home, allowing older adults to manage pain proactively rather than relying solely on medications. Regular sessions can improve mobility, balance, and joint function, and research suggests that vibration therapy can also strengthen lower limb muscles and improve postural stability, reducing fall risk.
Core Benefits of Heated and Non-Heated Vibrotherapy
Pain reduction – vibration helps “gate” pain signals in the nervous system.
Improved circulation – enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues for recovery.
Muscle relaxation and strengthening – heat loosens tight muscles; vibration activates key stabilising muscles.
Joint support – strengthens surrounding musculature to reduce stress on joints.
Flexibility & mobility – supports easier movement and range of motion.
Home-based convenience – encourages consistency and long-term adherence.
Adaptable intensity – safe for frail adults as well as those seeking higher stimulation.
Why Vibrotherapy Works
Neurological stimulation: Vibrations activate over 200,000 nerve endings in each foot, sending signals that modulate pain pathways in the spinal cord.
Thermal benefits: Heated sessions improve tissue elasticity and relax tight muscles.
Circulatory enhancement: Increases microcirculation, which supports healing and reduces swelling.
Functional improvement: Strengthens postural and core muscles, aiding balance and reducing fall risk.
Clinical Evidence Supporting Vibrotherapy
Research shows vibrotherapy is effective, safe, and well-tolerated for older adults with musculoskeletal conditions:
Pain Reduction – Whole-body vibration exercise significantly reduces chronic low back pain (standardized mean difference −0.81; 95% CI −1.11 to −0.50).
Improved Mobility & Balance – Single WBVE sessions enhance functional performance in community-dwelling older adults.
Muscle Strength & Physical Performance – WBVE combined with resistance exercises strengthens muscles and improves performance.
Functional Improvement in Nursing Home Residents – WBVE improves strength, balance, walking ability, and overall physical performance.
Safe & Well-Tolerated – Elderly patients report minimal adverse effects in clinical applications.
Key Takeaway:
The Prosalud Solution leverages heated and non-heated vibrotherapy to provide a safe, drug-free, and evidence-based approach to chronic pain and mobility challenges. By combining pain relief, circulation support, and muscle activation in one system—supported by clinical research—it empowers older adults to regain independence, confidence, and quality of life.
Medical Advice & Supporting Research
Low Back Pain & Musculoskeletal Burden – Medical Advice and Research
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common and disabling health problems in the UK, particularly among people in their 70s. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, low back pain is the leading cause of years lived with disability (YLD) in adults aged 70–74, and one of the top causes of reduced quality of life for older adults. The NHS reports that most cases are “non-specific” (no single clear injury), but are strongly linked to age-related degenerative changes such as osteoarthritis of the spine, intervertebral disc degeneration, and weakened musculature.
LBP rarely exists in isolation. It often co-occurs with other musculoskeletal conditions such as hip osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and shoulder disorders, creating a compounding disability effect. Data from the British Society for Rheumatology show that over 60% of adults aged 70+ with low back pain also report functional mobility limitations, and nearly 1 in 4 experience moderate to severe sleep disruption due to pain.
Risk Factors & Contributing Conditions
Age-related spinal changes – loss of disc height, facet joint degeneration, reduced spinal flexibility.
Muscle deconditioning – particularly in the core and lumbar-supporting muscles.
Sedentary lifestyle – prolonged sitting increases spinal load.
Osteoporosis – vertebral compression fractures can cause or worsen pain.
Obesity – excess weight places additional mechanical stress on the spine.
Previous injuries – unresolved back injuries may predispose to chronic pain.
Evidence-Based Interventions
According to NHS guidance, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, and international research:
Exercise-based rehabilitation (physiotherapy, Pilates, strength training) is first-line for chronic LBP.
Weight management is proven to reduce mechanical load on the lumbar spine.
Manual therapy (including spinal mobilisation/manipulation) can provide short-term relief when combined with exercise.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for persistent pain helps reduce fear-avoidance and improve function.
Anti-inflammatory diets (rich in omega-3s, fruit, and vegetables) show promise in reducing systemic inflammation that may exacerbate pain.
Avoiding long-term opioid use – NICE warns against routine prescribing for chronic LBP due to low benefit and high risk.
UK Prevalence & Impact
Lifetime prevalence: up to 80% of UK adults will experience back pain at some point.
Annual prevalence in 70–79 age group: ~35–40% report chronic low back pain.
Economic impact: musculoskeletal disorders (including LBP) cost the UK economy ~£10 billion annually in lost productivity and NHS treatment.
NHS primary care: LBP accounts for over 2.6 million GP appointments annually.
Key Takeaway
Low back pain is not an inevitable part of ageing—it is a modifiable condition. Staying physically active, maintaining spinal strength, addressing posture, and seeking early physiotherapy can significantly reduce pain severity and prevent functional decline. Combining movement, strength training, and lifestyle adjustments with evidence-based pain management can help older adults preserve mobility and independence well into later life.
The Prosalud Company massager is engineered as a therapeutic instrument for home use, combining low‑frequency vibration that activates deep muscle fibres with controlled heat to maximise relaxation and circulation.