In addition, one in three (33 per cent) said they would manage their condition with painkillers rather than seeing a doctor.

CSP professional adviser Priya Dasoju told Frontline: ‘People with painful MSK conditions should seek medical attention as soon as possible if the pain is severe or persistent.

‘Painkillers can provide pain relief but this may be short-term and not address the underlying cause of symptoms.

‘Leaving an injury until it gets worse can lead to longer-term problems and a recurrence of symptoms. But receiving appropriate treatment, such as physiotherapy, early on can speed recovery and ensure appropriate advice is received about how to self-manage the condition and avoid it coming back’.

The survey also found that

• three respondents in 10 (30 per cent) said muscle, bone or joint pain was not a serious medical problem
• one in 10 (11 per cent) said they lacked the time to see a doctor about their condition
• almost four in 10 (37 per cent) would consider treating or managing their condition with alternative therapies, such as yoga or going to the gym