Jennifer Mendoza
Research expert covering health, pharma and medtech
Back pain in the U.S. - Statistics & Facts
It is estimated that around 619 million people worldwide suffer from low back pain. The prevalence of low back pain is not expected to decrease significantly over the coming decades, with around seven percent of the global population expected to have low back pain in the year 2050. Back pain is one of the most common medical problems worldwide with age, a lack of exercise, being overweight, or working a job that requires heavy lifting or long periods of sitting common risk factors. It can develop slowly with time or come suddenly and can be a dull, constant ache or a sharp pain. In 2020, the rate of low back pain in high-income North America was 10,500 per 100,000 population, making it the region with the fourth highest rate of low back pain in the world at the time.
How common is back pain in the United States?
In 2022, a survey of U.S. adults found that around 28 percent reported having chronic low back/sciatic pain. Around 44 percent of those with chronic low back pain reported having such pain for five years or longer and many report a diminished quality of life due to their pain. Common negative impacts reported due to chronic low back pain include not being able to stand for long periods, not being able to exercise or walk as much as desired, and not being able to sleep well. Overall, around 17 percent of those surveyed with chronic low back pain reported it had a major negative impact on their physical health, while 13 percent said it had a major negative impact on their mental health.Common back pain treatments
Most back pain improves with time and home remedies, but those with severe and chronic pain may seek treatment from a medical professional. The most common health care professionals those with chronic low back pain in the United States visit are primary care providers or general practitioners, physical therapists, and chiropractors. Some common treatments people with chronic low back pain report using include over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (OTC NSAIDs), prescription non-opioids or non-NSAIDs, prescription NSAIDS or prescription opioids, and conservative and eastern medicine. However, the effectiveness of current treatment options varies and many sufferers report that common treatment methods are often only somewhat effective. In fact, in 2022, around 84 percent of those with chronic low back pain in the U.S. stated they wished there were better treatment options for their pain.
