Back pain is an extremely common condition. In fact, eighty percent of people will experience back pain in their lifetime, and 70 percent of adults take anti-inflammatory medications to treat the symptoms of back pain. Read on to discover more back pain statistics, as well as to learn when to seek medical help for back pain and what to do to find relief from an aching back.
5 Back Pain Stats You Should Know About
Here are a few statistics, reported by the American Chiropractic Association, about back pain that might interest you:
— Individuals of all ages experience back pain.
— “Worldwide, years lived with disability caused by low back pain have increased by 54% between 1990 and 2015.”
— The majority of people with lower back pain recover.
— Back pain is the third most common cause of doctor visits.
— “Most cases of back pain are mechanical or non-organic—meaning they are not caused by serious conditions, such as inflammatory arthritis, infection, fracture or cancer.”
Clearly, you are not alone in your battle against back pain.
When to Seek Medical Help for Back Pain
Fifty-five percent of adults attempt to treat their own back pain. While self-treatment isn’t necessarily bad, there are some people who should seek medical intervention from healthcare professional.
So, how do you know when to seek medical help for back pain? The Mayo Clinic stated, “Call your doctor if your back pain hasn’t improved after a week of home treatment or if your back pain:
- Is constant or intense, especially at night or when you lie down
- Spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain extends below your knee
- Causes weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs
- Occurs with unintended weight loss
- Occurs with swelling or redness on your back.”
Another source, Duke Health, said to see your doctor if your back pain prevents you from participating in routine, daily activities, or if you experience:
1) Fever associated with back pain
2) Back pain as a result of trauma to the back
3) Bladder or bowel dysfunction
4) Weakness
“Also, always be more cautious if you have special risk factors for cancer, infection, or fractures that may affect the spine,” a contributor wrote.
Even if you aren’t experiencing severe symptoms, it’s a good idea to seek medical help for ongoing back pain.
A Physiotherapist Can Help You Find Relief from Back Pain
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned earlier, consider reaching out to a physiotherapist for help. Physiotherapy is an effective, drug-free treatment for back pain. Learn more in 3 Ways Physiotherapists Ease Back Pain.