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 work-related limited activity in people younger than 45.1 (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 people who:2
- Smoke.
- Frequently lift heavy objects or children.
- Are in poor physical condition.
- Low back pain may be more likely in people who:2
- 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 up to 95% recover within 12 weeks. Over 98% recover within 1 year.3
References
Citations
Deyo RA, Weinstein JN (2001). Low back pain. New England Journal of Medicine, 344(5): 363–370.
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.
Carragee EJ, Hannibal M (2004). Diagnostic evaluation of low back pain. Orthopedic Clinics of North America, 35(2004): 7–16.
Credits
| Author | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Robert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics |
| Last Updated | February 6, 2008 |
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