Musculoskeletal (or MSK for short) conditions affect the joints, bones, muscles and spine, and include rare autoimmune conditions such as lupus (the most common type being systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)). Common symptoms may include pain, joint stiffness and a loss of mobility and dexterity. These symptoms can fluctuate over time.

Millions of people in the U.K. develop these conditions over a lifetime, ranging from minor injuries to short or long-term conditions. Some MSK conditions are present at birth and are lifelong, while others can occur suddenly at any age and progress rapidly. Other MSK conditions progress gradually and become more common and worsen as we age.

Broadly speaking there are three groups of MSK conditions:

1.  Inflammatory conditions (eg, rheumatoid arthritis)

2. Conditions of MSK pain (eg, osteoarthritis, back pain)

3. Osteoporosis and fragility fractures (eg, fracture after fall from standing height)

The services that support MSK conditions are GPs, First Contact Practitioners (FCPs), Physiotherapists, Hand Therapists, Podiatry, Rheumatology, Orthopaedics and Orthotics, as well as Council Health initiatives, and local exercise groups etc that can support self-care.

Please help us to shape future services by completing our survey to give an insight into your (or someone who you care for) experiencing of accessing care for MSK conditions.  The survey should take around 5-10 minutes to complete.

The information you submit through this survey is held and processed in line with NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin's Privacy Policy.  Your answers will only be used to inform the development of the MSK service in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and any personally identifiable information will not be shared with any third parties.  This survey can be completed either online, or if you would like to request a paper copy / complete over the telephone, please contact stw.communications@nhs.net