healthcare.digital January 20, 2026
Executive Summary
The nexus between individual health and economic productivity has become a focal point of public policy in the United Kingdom, particularly in the wake of post-pandemic shifts in workforce participation. A significant driver of economic inactivity is the prevalence of long-term sickness, with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions representing a dominant category of morbidity. The traditional bifurcation of health services, delivered by the National Health Service (NHS) and employment support, overseen by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and private employers, has created systemic inefficiencies.
Patients suffering from conditions such as low back pain or sciatica often find themselves navigating two disconnected systems: a clinical pathway focused on symptomatic relief and an employment landscape demanding functional capacity. The resulting...







