Who is affected by low back pain

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Who is affected by low back pain

Back pain is very common in adults. About two-thirds of adults have low back pain at some point in their lives.¹

• Low back pain is age-related. It generally begins to affect people in their 30s to 50s.¹
• Low back pain is the most common cause of limited activity in people younger than 45.² (It can also cause disability in people older than 45.)
• Low back pain is not common before adolescence, although spinal injuries can occur.
• Low back pain may be more common in men and in those who:³
  • Smoke.
  • Frequently lift heavy objects or children.
  • Are in poor physical condition.
• Low back pain may be more likely in people who:³
  • Are under mental stress.
  • Have other chronic pain.
  • Are not satisfied with their job.

Being involved in workers' compensation issues or lawsuits can delay recovery from low back pain.

Fortunately, 90% of people with low back pain recover within 6 weeks, and 95% recover within 12 weeks. Over 98% recover within 1 year.⁴

References

Citations

1. Deyo RA, Weinstein JN (2001). Low back pain. New England Journal of Medicine, 344(5): 363–370.

2. Andersson GB (1999). Epidemiological features of chronic low-back pain. Lancet, 354(9178): 581–585.

3. Wise C (2005). Back pain and common musculoskeletal problems. In DC Dale, DD Federman, eds., Scientific American Medicine, section 15, chap. 12. New York: WebMD.

4. Carragee EJ, Hannibal M (2004). Diagnostic evaluation of low back pain. Orthopedic Clinics of North America, 35(2004): 7–16.

Credits

Last updated:	February 15, 2006
Author:	Lila Havens
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Robert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics
Editors:	Katy E. Magee, MA, Tracy Landauer