Musculoskeletal Health in Crisis: A Comparative Policy Analysis of National MSK Frameworks in the United Kingdom

This dataset supports a qualitative policy analysis examining how national musculoskeletal (MSK) health policy is framed, governed, and operationalised across the United Kingdom. Rather than testing a formal hypothesis, the study adopts an interpretive approach to explore how policy priorities, assumptions, and omissions shape MSK health strategy within and across devolved administrations. The data comprise publicly available national policy documents, frameworks, and strategic texts identified through systematic document search and eligibility criteria. Using inductive, reflexive thematic analysis, policy content was coded and iteratively synthesised, with findings interpreted through the Walt and Gilson Policy Analysis Triangle and the Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health (G-MUSC) global strategic framework. The data demonstrate consistent patterns of reactive policy framing, selective incorporation of prevention and integration principles, and variable alignment with global MSK strategy, alongside notable silences relating to equity, accountability, and co-production. The materials deposited here document analytic decisions, thematic synthesis, and conceptual mapping, enabling readers to understand how interpretations were developed and to reuse the dataset for comparative policy analysis, secondary synthesis, or methodological illustration.