A national survey reveals some very interesting findings Back pain affects tens of millions of people each year in the U.S. In fact, according to an independent national survey of Americans conducted by NASS*, 65 percent of individuals polled stated they experience back pain at least once a month or several times a month. Here are some other interesting findings:
- One in three Americans say they suffer from back pain every day or nearly every day!
- Some people’s pain is short lived -- 39 percent state they suffer for only a few hours yet a quarter of people (26%) claim to be sidelined with back pain for at least a full day. Fourteen percent say they suffer for several days and one in 10 people state they have constant back pain to some degree.
- Lower back pain is the biggest complaint of 59% of Americans. Nearly one in every five people (19%) suffer from mid-back pain and 16% state they have ongoing neck pain.
- Half of people polled (49%) claim that their back pain has negatively affected their lifestyle. One-third state that their spouse and family also are impacted.
- To relieve their back pain, more than half of those polled (53%) rely on over-the-counter and prescription pain medications.
- Nearly one in five Americans (19%) attribute aging to be the primary cause of their back pain issues. Twelve percent said it was due to an automobile accident and 11% claim their pain is the result of a workplace injury.
- The majority of those polled (58%) have turned to more conservative treatment (such as physical therapy, spinal manipulation and medication) as opposed to surgical intervention (9%).
*”NASS Back Pain in America” Survey by Pulse Opinion Research April 2007 +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of accuracy.
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NASS is a multidisciplinary medical organization dedicated to fostering the highest quality, evidence-based, and ethical spine care by promoting education, research, and advocacy. Since its start in 1985, NASS has grown to nearly 4,000 members in 22 spine-related specialties. NASS members are MDs, DOs, and PhDs, including orthopedics, neurosurgery, physiatry, pain management, and other disciplines. Nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, chiropractors, physical therapists, practice administrators, and other allied health care professionals involved in spine care are also represented as affiliate members.
For further information, contact:
North American Spine Society
Toll-free: (866) 960-6277 Direct: (630) 230-3650
or
Jean-Marie O'Neal