Data and Intelligence
The Department of Health and Social Care have a Musculoskeletal Profile on their “Fingertips” data tool where the latest information can be viewed:
Musculoskeletal health profile | Department of Health and Social Care
The following information is a summary of key findings from this information when viewed in 2025.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) Conditions in Hartlepool
Hartlepool has the highest reported prevalence of long-term MSK problems in England, with 26.6% of residents indicating such conditions in the 2024 GP Patient Survey. Additionally, 21.1% reported having an MSK condition alongside at least one other long-term condition—the highest rate nationally.
Hip fracture rates among people aged 65 and over remain higher than both the North East and England averages, at 573.96 per 100,000 in 2023/24, despite a gradual decline since 2019/20. Osteoporosis prevalence is lower than regional and national figures, with 0.4% recorded on GP registers, while Rheumatoid Arthritis prevalence is higher at 0.9%, matching the North East average.
Risk Factors
Physical inactivity is a significant contributor to MSK issues. In Hartlepool, 30.46% of adults aged 19+ do less than 30 minutes of moderate activity per week, a rate above the regional average. Inactivity spiked in 2020, declined in 2021, and has since risen again.
Obesity and smoking are key modifiable risk factors. In 2023:
- 37.9% of adults were obese, and 77.22% were overweight - both higher than regional averages and increasing since 2015.
- Smoking prevalence fell sharply from 41.55% in 2019 to 13.47% in 2023, according to the Annual Population Survey.