AI pain care from home

Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is the #1 driver of healthcare costs—and one of the hardest to solve. In this expert-led session, Sword Health leaders walk through proven strategies for reducing spend and reversing chronic pain using AI-powered care. You’ll hear how predictive AI identifies members on the path to costly surgery and how digital care models drive measurable improvements in pain, surgery intent, and productivity. See how employers are reaching their hardest-to-engage members and delivering results that move the needle—clinically and financially.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders are one of the most expensive and under-addressed cost centers facing U.S. healthcare providers. MSK disorders affect 1 in 2 Americans and cost over $190 billion per year, more than heart disease, cancer, or mental health conditions. For employers and health plans, MSK claims are often among the top 3 cost drivers. And for members, chronic pain reduces quality of life, drives absenteeism, and often leads to costly downstream interventions. That’s why digital MSK solutions have surged in popularity. The promise is compelling: better access, which drives stronger engagement, delivers better outcomes, and therefore lowers overall healthcare costs.

Many organizations invest heavily in MSK care, yet year after year see costs continue to climb. Traditional MSK care is broken and it’s bleeding money from your benefits budget. With outdated care models, over-reliance on surgery and imaging, and perverse incentives baked into the system, MSK has become a runaway cost category. And most solutions don’t stop the spiral, but this report will help you reverse the trend. This paper breaks down:

Musculoskeletal (MSK) health is one of the biggest drivers of employee wellbeing and organizational performance. MSK conditions, which include back pain, arthritis, and post-surgical recovery needs, account for nearly half of all chronic health issues in the workforce. For employers, the consequences are significant: higher medical claims, lost productivity, and disengaged employees. This is where MSK benefits create real impact. Employers who offer strong MSK employee benefits not only help people live with less pain, they also strengthen their workforce and reduce healthcare costs. Many benefits leaders still treat MSK as an optional benefit rather than a strategic priority. That approach overlooks evidence showing that modern MSK benefits improve health outcomes while delivering measurable ROI for employers¹.