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Who is affected by low back pain

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

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.

Author	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Robert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics
Last Updated	February 6, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: February 06, 2008

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