Back Pain
What is it?
Back pain is one of the most common health problems in the United States - some 50 percent to 80 percent of adults have had back pain at some time, and 10 percent of all Americans have back pain in a given year. Back pain can occur at any age in both men and women.
- Back pain affects 50 to 80 percent of people in the U.S. at some point in their lives.
- In any given year, 10 percent of adults experience back pain or other symptoms, such as limited mobility or stiffness.
- Each year, Americans spend an estimated $24 billion on treatments for back pain - not including missed time from work nor the emotional costs of enduring pain and not being able to participate in daily activities. Imagine what it would be like to have problems working, golfing or enjoying playtime with children!
- Back pain can be mildly uncomfortable, excruciating or anywhere in between. It can start slowly, sometimes a result of poor posture, or come on suddenly because of injury.
- Back pain can last for a few short days or can linger for weeks, months and even years.
- Arthritis is a common form of back pain. The earlier arthritis is diagnosed, the more steps can be taken to reduce disability in the future.
- Other factors that aggravate back pain include suffering from stress, not getting enough sleep, being overweight, having poor posture or not being physically fit.
- Back pain should not be considered a normal part of aging; it is a chronic condition that calls for similar lifestyle changes as diseases like arthritis and diabetes do.
