How Many People Have Back Pain?
Back pain is a very common health condition that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Here are some statistics on how many people are affected by back pain:
- Prevalence of Back Pain
Back pain is a highly prevalent condition. According to a systematic review published in the journal Lancet in 2018, the global prevalence of back pain is around 18%, with low back pain being the most common form of back pain. The review found that back pain is most prevalent in Western Europe, followed by North Africa and the Middle East, and then North America.
- Lifetime Prevalence of Back Pain
Studies suggest that most people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. A study published in the European Journal of Pain in 2006 found that the lifetime prevalence of back pain ranges from 60% to 70% in industrialized countries. Another study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2017 found that the lifetime prevalence of low back pain in the United States is approximately 80%.
- Incidence of Back Pain
Back pain can occur at any time and can be caused by a variety of factors. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2010, the annual incidence of back pain in the United States is approximately 5%. The study also found that back pain is more common in women than men.
- Back Pain in the Workforce
Back pain is a common cause of disability in the workplace. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, back pain accounted for 27% of all nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses in the United States in 2019. This makes back pain the second most common cause of workplace injury, after sprains and strains.
- Back Pain in Older Adults
Back pain is also common among older adults. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society in 2018, approximately 40% of adults over the age of 65 experience back pain. The study also found that older adults with back pain are more likely to have other health problems, such as depression and sleep disorders.
Conclusion
Back pain is a highly prevalent condition that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. The global prevalence of back pain is around 18%, with low back pain being the most common form of back pain. Most people will experience back pain at some point in their lives, with the lifetime prevalence ranging from 60% to 80%. Back pain is a common cause of disability in the workplace and is particularly common among older adults. If you experience back pain, it is important to work with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that helps you manage your symptoms effectively and improve your overall quality of life.