Arthritis UK has responded to NHSE’s Health Survey for England 

17 February 2026

Arthritis UK has responded to HSE’s Health Survey for England 

Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive of Arthritis UK, said: 

"The findings of this survey show a shocking percentage of people with MSK conditions experience chronic pain."  

"The HSE survey found one in four people in England report having chronic pain and 39% of these people also had an MSK condition. The survey also paints a stark picture of health inequalities, with links between deprivation and chronic pain."  

"In recent years, Arthritis UK has worked hard for musculoskeletal conditions – and the chronic pain they cause – to be recognised as a public health issue. Public health decisions must be informed by robust, reliable data. In the face of this lack of data, the charity has again funded the inclusion of questions in Health Survey for England to understand the scale and impact chronic pain is having on the population." 

"The survey also provides yet more evidence for why MSK conditions and chronic pain need to be prioritised by the UK Government. We are therefore calling for a national framework for MSK to ensure the NHS 10 Year Plan commitments become a reality for the millions of people living in pain due to arthritis and other MSK conditions."

About Arthritis UK

Arthritis UK is the leading arthritis charity, changing lives through research, campaigning and support. 

Over 10 million adults, young people and children in the UK live with arthritis. That’s one in six of us living with the pain, fatigue, disability, mental and financial strain it can cause. Many more live with arthritis but remain undiagnosed, untreated and unsupported. 

We know the impact of arthritis can be huge, affecting the ability to work, care for family, move free from pain and live independently. Yet for a condition affecting so many, it’s poorly understood and far too little is done. That’s why we invest in life-changing research into better treatments, support people through the daily challenges of life with arthritis, and campaign on the issues that matter most to people living with it. 

At Arthritis UK, we won’t rest until everyone with arthritis has access to treatments and support they need to live the life they choose, with real hope for a cure in the future. Find out more at: www.arthritis-uk.org 

Arthritis UK. For a future free from arthritis.