Back Pain Statistics

May 22, 2008 by Tammy

Back pain statistics tell us the numbers but they don’t tell us the real story when it comes to the pain and irritation of back pain and that’s the story we must not forget.

With between 50 and 80% of Americans suffering from back pain at some point in there life, this is a serious issue that is responsible for pain, lifestyle changes, loss of productivity, loss of revenue and frustration. Experts believe that four out of every five people will suffer from back pain in their lifetime.

It is believed that at any give snapshot of time that there are 31 million Americans experiencing lower back pain. While as many as 50% of all Americans declare that they experienced back pain in the previous year, only one third of all of those had back problems within the past five years which caused them to seek out medical care. The National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey reported in 2001 that 13,707,000 people visited their physician because of back pain.

Wow, that’s a lot of people!

While the pain and agony of back pain is high of the list of most challenging issues, it is also important to remember that the financial impact of back pain can be astounding. It is believed that over fifty billion dollars annually are spent trying to eliminate back pain.

Back pain can be a life altering frustration and can lead to people missing out on a variety of activities they would normally pursue. It is thought that back pain is the reason many people under the age of 45 aren’t as active as they’d like to be.

We’ve already talked about the financial impact of back pain but did you realize that some studies show that 30-40% of all work absences were because of employees suffering from back pain.

Back pain must be taken seriously and we must realize that the more we understand it the more we can try to wrap our arms around the impact it has on society today. It impacts so many people and changes life choices each and every day.

Of course, you’ve heard it before but it bears repeating. Prevention of back pain is the key. Simple steps to preventing back pain are to lift with your legs and not your back, to stand up straight and maintain a good posture and if you have back pain that doesn’t go away then see your healthcare provider.

Back pain statistics are one thing but it is no statistical matter when you realize that back pain can be completely debilitating and needs you attention. Find a healthcare provider that will help you to get the care you need and don’t just be another back pain statistic.