10/04/2024
Here are some statistics about back pain:
Prevalence
In the United States, about 26% of adults have low back pain at any given time, and 14% have neck pain. Globally, up to 23% of adults have chronic low back pain.
Age
The percentage of adults with back pain increases with age. The highest number of cases occurs at the age of 50–55 years.
S*x
Women are more likely to experience back pain than men.
Race and ethnicity
Estimates of back pain differ among non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic Asian adults.
Family income
The percentage of adults with back pain decreases as family income increases.
Cost
Back pain is the sixth most costly condition in the United States, with health care costs and indirect costs over $12 billion per year.
Risk factors
Risk factors for back pain include occupational ergonomic factors, high BMI, and smoking.
Global impact
The number of people affected by low back pain is projected to increase to 843 million by 2050. The largest rise is expected in Asia and Africa.
Back pain can be acute, sub-acute, or chronic. Acute back pain lasts less than 6 weeks, while chronic cases last longer than 12 weeks.
