Back Pain

If you have ever sighed, "Oh, my aching back!" you are not alone. Over 80% of Americans are affected by back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain can range from lower, middle or upper back and can come in the form of a dull constant ache or a sudden, sharp pain. Acute back pain comes on suddenly and usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks. If back pain lasts for more than three months it is called chronic back pain.

A complex structure of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles make up the back. Back pain can result from a sports injury, an accident or from very simple movements. You can sprain ligaments, strain muscles, rupture discs, and irritate joints, all of which can lead to back pain. Arthritis, poor posture, obesity and stress can all cause or complicate back pain. Back pain can also directly result from diseases of the internal organs, such as kidney stones, kidney infections, blood clots and bone loss.

Some facts about back pain:

• Fifty percent of all working Americans admit to having back pain symptoms each year.
• Back pain is one of the most common reasons for missed work.
• Back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor's office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections.
• Americans spend close to $100 billion each year on back pain.
• An estimated 3-4% of the population is temporarily disabled, and 1% of the working-age population is disabled totally and permanently due to lower back pain.
• Low Back Pain is the 5th most frequent cause for hospitalization and the 3rd most common reason to undergo surgery.

If you are suffering from back pain and would like more information about our Health & Rehabilitation Services, call 561-263-5775.