Our friendly and knowledgeable chiropractors at Petrak Family Chiropractic define back pain as pain that occurs anywhere along the four regions of your spine, which run from the base of your skull to your tailbone. Back pain in your upper, middle, and/or lower back—or the tailbone region—can be intermittent or chronic, depending on the underlying cause. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), “Back pain is one of the most common medical problems in the United States.” NIAMS also notes that “anyone can have back pain, and almost everyone will experience back pain at some point in their life.” An analysis conducted by researchers at the Université de Montréal and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health states that approximately “8.2 percent of American adults have chronic severe back pain, and about three-quarters (74.8 percent) of those with chronic severe back pain have difficulties with mobility, social participation, self-care, or work participation.” These and other back pain statistics help researchers and practitioners learn more about those suffering from back pain and the insights that can be gained regarding the pain management treatments available. Surprising Back Pain StatisticsThe National Center for Health Statistics published a study titled “Back, Lower Limb, and Upper Limb Pain Among U.S. Adults, 2019.” The back pain statistics uncovered in this study provide valuable insights into the widespread nature of back pain and its impact on public health. Here are a few of the most fascinating back pain statistics their study revealed:
Back Pain Statistics and Future ProjectionsResearch indicates that there’s likely going to be a significant rise in back pain among people across the world in the decades to come. Another fascinating study, this one conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine, revealed the following eye-opening back pain statistics:
This study emphasizes the societal and economic impact of back pain now and well into the future, but there’s comfort in knowing that chiropractic care can help. Most Common Causes of Back PainFitness level: back pain is more common in those who don’t exercise very often. Regular exercise helps to strengthen the core muscles that support the spine. Even going for a walk every day will help in maintaining spinal health. Rapid weight gain: obesity and sudden weight gain can put a lot of stress on the spine and neck. Smoking: smoking restricts oxygen flow to the spinal tissue. Inactive lifestyle: desk jobs with uncomfortable seats or those with poor posture are more susceptible to back pain. Genetic disorders: arthritis and other genetic disorders can be at play when it comes to back pain. Bulging or ruptured disks: since these disks are protective cushions for the vertebrae, ruptured or bulging ones can cause nerve pain within the spine. Improper lifting: always lift with your legs, not your back. Repetitive, strenuous, and improper movement will put you at a higher risk for back pain. Back Pain TreatmentConsidering that back pain can range in intensity—from mild to debilitating—it’s important to determine what’s causing the pain and receive timely treatment. One of the most alarming back pain statistics comes from a 2022 survey by Statista Research Department, which revealed that “70 percent of U.S. adults with chronic low back pain stated they had difficulty finding a treatment that worked well to ease their pain.” Unfortunately, it’s quite common for people to turn to painkillers to treat lower back pain. Another study by Statista Research Department found that “around 57 percent of adults in the United States with chronic low back pain stated they had taken over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (OTC NSAIDs) to treat their pain, while 45 percent said they were currently using OTC NSAIDs for such pain.” While painkillers can work well to offer temporary symptom relief, they don’t directly address the underlying cause of back pain—and that’s where chiropractic care comes in. Chiropractic care for back pain is an accessible, drug-free, and non-invasive remedy for back pain that’s ideal for people of all ages. American Chiropractic Association (ACA) describes chiropractic care as “the first Line of defense against pain” and shares numerous back pain statistics as they relate to patients who have sought chiropractic care. One statistic reveals how many Americans visit a chiropractor per year: 35 million! This number alone highlights the confidence millions of Americans have placed in chiropractors for immediate as well as ongoing pain relief. Seek Prompt Back Pain Treatment at Petrak Family ChiropracticThe back pain statistics we’ve shared with you in this post speak to how prevalent back pain is not only in America but also around the world. Fortunately, chiropractic care is available. If you live in or around Westchester, Illinois, we hope you’ll place your trust in Petrak Family Chiropractic.
Our team of highly skilled and empathetic chiropractors offers many variations of chiropractic care for treating back pain, and we welcome patients of all ages. Schedule an appointment online or call 708-223-8494. We look forward to meeting you and resolving the back pain you’re experiencing so you can live the pain-free lifestyle you deserve. Comments are closed.
|