First I would like to start with some demographics about low back pain as many are surprised to find out they aren't alone and this truly is an epidemic.
- Low back pain is the number 1 cause of disability in the United States.
- 140 million work days are missed each year due to low back pain. In fact, back pain is the second most common reason for visits to the doctor's office, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections.
- In 2006 the estimated cost of low back pain was $100 billion.
- 50% of all working Americans report low back pain each year.
- 31 million Americans suffer from low back pain at any given time.
- 24% of children report having low back pain. 80% of the population will experience back pain at some time in their lives.
- Low back pain does not go away when ignored. 62% continued to have low back pain after 12 months, 33% required work absence; and there is a 200% greater risk of low back pain with a history of previous low back pain.
At least now you know that you are not alone!
