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The Back Pain Epidemic

Oct 11, 2018
The Back Pain Epidemic
If you suffer from back pain, you’re not alone, and treating it is one of Dr. Nikesh Seth’s specialties. The majority of adults have back pain, and it’s the most common complaint seen at Integrated Pain Consultants. Low back pain is the most common pain...

If you suffer from back pain, you’re not alone, and treating it is one of Dr. Nikesh Seth’s specialties. The majority of adults have back pain, and it’s the most common complaint seen at Integrated Pain Consultants. Low back pain is the most common pain point, and 31 million Americans will experience pain here at some point. Low back pain, in particular, is the leading cause of disability around the globe, reports the Global Burden of Disease. Unsurprisingly, it’s also the most common cause of missed work and the second most common reason people make appointments with their doctor (upper respiratory infections claim the top spot at general physicians’ offices).

Chronic and Acute Back Pain

Sometimes back pain is chronic, and other times it comes and goes. If you consider all types of back pain, half of working Americans say they experience it at some point annually. However, it’s estimated that up to 80 percent of people will have back problems in their life, and that estimate will inch upwards as the obesity epidemic blossoms. While excess weight isn’t the sole cause of back problems, and not everyone who is overweight has back pain, it is a major factor.

The majority of back pain problems are “non-organic,” which means they aren’t caused by a serious condition like a spinal fracture or cancer. Still, that doesn’t stop Americans from spending over $50 billion every year to treat their back pain.

Injuries and Back Pain

Considering how complicated the back is, there are countless ways it could be injured. From sprains and strains to bulging discs and inflamed joints, the possibilities are nearly endless. Sports can cause injuries that lead to back pain, whether from repetitive motions like in bodybuilding to blunt force trauma in contact sports. There’s also poor posture, arthritis, and psychological stress leading to back pain.

The key to treating and preventing back pain is a correct diagnosis and safe pain management. To find out about all the options available at Integrated Pain Consultants, including alternative therapies, contact or call 480-626-2552.