Who is affected by low back pain

Back pain is very common in adults. About two-thirds of adults have Low Back Pain at some point in their lives.

• Low Back Pain is age-related. It generally begins to affect people in their 30s to 50s.
• Low Back Pain is the most common cause of limited activity in people younger than 45.(It can also cause disability in people older than 45.)
• Low Back Pain is not common before adolescence, although spinal injuries can occur.
• Low Back Pain may be more common in men and in those who:
  • Smoke.
  • Frequently lift heavy objects or children.
  • Are in poor physical condition.
• Low Back Pain may be more likely in people who:
  • Are under mental stress.
  • Have other Chronic Pain.
  • Are not satisfied with their job.

Being involved in workers' compensation issues or lawsuits can delay recovery from Low Back Pain.

Fortunately, 90% of people with Low Back Pain recover within 6 weeks, and 95% recover within 12 weeks. Over 98% recover within 1 year.

Citations

1. Deyo RA, Weinstein JN (2001). Low Back Pain. New England Journal of Medicine, 344(5): 363-370.

2. Andersson GB (1999). Epidemiological features of chronic low-back pain. Lancet, 354(9178): 581-585.

3. Wise C (2005). Back pain and common musculoskeletal problems. In DC Dale, DD Federman, eds., Scientific American Medicine, section 15, chap. 12. New York: WebMD.

4. Carragee EJ, Hannibal M (2004). Diagnostic evaluation of Low Back Pain. Orthopedic Clinics of North America, 35(2004): 7-16.