How Common is Back Pain?

In the United States alone, over 80 million adults suffer from some form of chronic pain each year. Of those, about 8% suffer from high-impact chronic pain- meaning constant pain that seriously inhibits a person’s ability to function in daily life. Chronic pain can seriously lower your health and quality of life, and may be an indicator of greater health issues. It can also directly cause other health issues, as untreated constant pain contributes to depression and anxiety, drug abuse, and an increased risk of developing additional problems. 

The most common forms of chronic pain are arthritis, neck pain, fibromyalgia, headaches, nerve pain, and back pain. Of those, back pain is easily one of the most common chronic health issues people face; statistically, up to 80% of Americans will suffer from some form of back pain in their lifetime.

What Causes Back Pain?

There are three forms of back pain:

Acute: a sudden episode of pain that usually goes away within a few weeks at most.

Subacute: a sudden or gradual episode of back pain that can last a few months.

Chronic: constant back pain that lasts longer than 12 weeks.

The biggest causes of back pain are from both natural and lifestyle factors.  Age and genetics can play a significant role in the gradual onset of back pain, which can be effectively treated through early intervention, including healthy lifestyle changes and medical attention when necessary. The most significant lifestyle factors that lead to back pain are a lack of exercise and constant physical labor. The latter most often comes in the form of physically taxing jobs, where it is expected to lift, move, or handle heavy objects constantly. 

What Can I Do To Treat It?

Figuring out an effective treatment for back pain can be tricky, as you should factor in the form of pain you’re experiencing, as well as the costs and benefits of the many treatment options for back pain available. 

For cases of mild acute pain that only last a week or so, try applying heat or ice to the sore area on your back, as the pain may be caused by inflammation due to a minor injury. Regular exercise, such as walking, running, yoga, etc., along with stretching, may relieve the pain by working back muscles that may be strained or inflexible from injury or lack of activity. If pain persists after this, seek medical attention, as the pain may be a symptom of a larger issue.

For moderate to severe subacute pain, many treatment options are a bit more expensive. The most common treatment options for back pain are physical therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic care. Out of the three, chiropractic care tends to be the least expensive at around $45-$95 per weekly or monthly visit for many clinics. 

For severe chronic pain or just severe back pain in general, the previous options are still viable, but if necessary, surgery is typically anywhere between $4000-$19000 depending on the type of surgery needed. If you are experiencing extreme, severe back pain, please seek immediate medical care.

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