Low Back Pain: Why Is It So Common?
Tuesday, March 27th, 2012
Low Back Pain: Why Is It So Common? This question has plagued all of us, including researchers for a long time! Could it be because we’re all inherently lazy and don’t exercise enough? Or maybe it’s because we have a job that’s too demanding on our back? To properly address this question, here are some interesting facts:
The prevalence of low back pain (LBP) is common, as 70-85% of ALL PEOPLE have back pain that requires treatment of some sort at some time in life.
- On a yearly basis, the annual prevalence of back pain averages 30% and once you have back pain, the likelihood of recurrence is high.
- Back pain is the most common cause of activity limitation in people less than 45 years of age.
- Back pain is the 2nd most frequent reason for physician visits, the 5th ranking reason for hospital admissions, and is the 3rd most common cause for surgical procedures.
- About 2% of theUSworkforce receives compensation for back injuries annually.
- Similar statistics exist for other countries, including the UK and Sweden.
So, what are the common links as to why back pain is so common?
