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Back pain is one of the most frequent reasons why patients come to our clinic. Its cause is multiple, from sudden trauma to bad posture or various health conditions. We believe that many other people are living with back pain and not seeking the help they need. For this reason, we decided to share clear numbers and facts about back pain.
We want every reader to understand three main things after reading this article:
1. that they should not ignore back pain
2. that back pain can get worse left untreated
3. that there is help, in a natural and safe way, through chiropractic therapies.
Statistical Data Concerning Back Pain
We will start the topic of facts about back pain with eye-opening statistics, indicating how serious and widespread this issue is:
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1. Back Pain is the Number 1 Cause of Disability
At the global level, back pain is the most frequent reason why people cannot work and cannot engage in activities they enjoy or even perform usual daily chores. In the US, 50% of the working population experiences back pain for various periods of time every year.
2. Back Pain Accounts for Over 260 Million Missed Work Days Annually
Each year, for each full-time day’s work perfumed by the average American employee, two days are missed due to back pain. This issue has a negative impact at all levels: missed paychecks, time spent in hospital, and reduced productivity.
3. 80% of All People Will Experience Back Pain during their Lifetime
Unfortunately, back pain tends to join stress as the number one illness of the 21st century. Reduced mobility due to office work, poor posture, and unhealthy eating habits are taking a toll on people’s health and back pain is one of the main negative outcomes.
4. Back Pain Is the Third Most Common Complaint during Visits to the Doctors
The three main health concerns that bring Americans to the doctor’s office are:
• skin disorders
• joint disorders
• back pain.
5. Back Pain Costs Minimum $50 Billion per Year
US citizens are spending at least $50 billion each year on healthcare due to back pain. These costs are associated with visits to the doctor’s office, various tests (MRI scans, X-rays), and prescription medication. This figure is constantly increasing and tends to reach $100 billion per year.
Why We Care and Share Facts about Back Pain
As chiropractors, our main concern is people’s health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, these statistical data and facts about back pain show that this is an under-recognized and poorly managed issue. The most blatant example of poor management by the healthcare industry is the opioid epidemic. Many people lost their lives or are still struggling with addiction because Western medicine believes in numbing pain, instead of resolving the cause.
However, mentalities are shifting, thankfully. As far back as 2017, the American College of Physicians has changed its guidelines regarding the treatment of back pain. Instead of prescribing pain medication, doctors are instructed to resort to non-invasive therapies, including:
• spinal manipulation
• heat therapy
• massage.
How Chiropractors Can Help Manage Back Pain
Chiropractic therapies can help patients with acute or chronic back pain. Several studies conducted by various doctors and other medical specialists have reached the conclusion that chiropractic is safe and effective in managing back pain. Moreover, it is a completely natural and non-invasive type of therapy. Patients do not have to worry about the risks and side effects associated with having surgery or taking painkillers.
In our clinic, we can help you find safe and long-term relief from back pain. We focus on your wellbeing and on healing the cause of your pain, not just the symptoms. Call us today to book an appointment with one of our chiropractors!
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