Low back pain is the most common cause of disability worldwide, according to a recent study. It’s predicted that over the next three decades, approximately 843 million people will experience lower back pain, up from 619 million people in 2020. Now, this isn’t just any old study. It’s the systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, as published in the much revered The Lancet Rheumatology. The study was carried out by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington's School of Medicine as part of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021.
Summary of most important facts
Here is a quick summary of the most important facts revealed by the systematic analysis:
By 2050, low back pain cases are expected to rise by 36.4%, especially in Asia and Africa.
In 2020, 619 million people had lower back pain; this number is projected to reach 843 million by 2050.
Risk factors include poor work ergonomics, obesity, and smoking.
Low back pain increases with age, peaking at age 85.
It is more common in women than men across all age groups.
Central Europe, Eastern Europe, and Australasia have the highest rates of low back pain.
Population growth will drive the increase in low back pain cases, except in Asia and Latin America, where an aging population will be the main factor.
The study shows older people are particularly at risk as the prevalence of low back pain increases with age. The peak impacted age is 85 years.
In terms of the implications on the healthcare system and patient outcomes, when it comes to health care, clinical practice guidelines in most countries don't say how to treat an older person with low back pain in a specific way. Older people are the ones most likely to get this condition.
Maybe not surprisingly, the study revealed the main back pain risk factors to be:
Smoking
Being overweight,
Heavy lifting or doing repetitive tasks
These risk factors account for nearly 40% of years lived with disability in low back pain cases.
The prediction of a 36.4% increase to 843 million people impacted by low back pain is quite alarming and should be a call to action to those in the healthcare industry to come together to develop or improve prevention strategies as well as to prescribe effective and standard treatment recommendations.
What is back pain?
Back pain is discomfort or pain felt in the back, ranging from mild to severe. It can be caused by muscle strain, poor posture, injuries, or medical conditions like arthritis. Common symptoms include aching, stiffness, or sharp pain. Risk factors include heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, obesity, and smoking. Back pain can affect daily activities and overall well-being. Treatment options include rest, exercise, physical therapy, and medication to manage pain and improve mobility.
How can chiropractic help in cases of back pain?
Back pain can be helped by chiropractic care, which realigns the spine and eases pressure on the muscles. The hands-on methods that chiropractors use help the body heal itself, ease pain, and make movement better. They may also give you routines, advice on how to live your life, and ergonomic tips to keep you from getting pain again.
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive way to treat back pain that can also make daily tasks easier and more comfortable by reducing pain, increasing flexibility, and improving general back health.
If you suffer from lower back pain or have a back pain concern, why not consult with your local chiropractic clinic to see how they may help.
Key points
A new study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine predicts a 36.4% rise in low back pain cases by 2050, with Asia and Africa being the most affected.
In 2020, 619 million people worldwide suffered from lower back pain, with 843 million projected to fall into this category by 2050.
Risk factors for low back pain include work-related ergonomic factors, obesity, and smoking.
Author: Dr Kirsten Strudwick (Chiropractor) is a Doctor of Chiropractic with 15+ years of experience in Marrickville, Sydney, and runs Marrickville Chiropractic Care. Holding a BSc and M.Chiro from Macquarie University, her practice focuses on holistic, patient-centred care. Kirsten has a clinical interest in a range of areas including women’s health, paediatric care, and pregnancy-related treatments.