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According to the American Journal of Public Health, back pain is the most common cause of job-related disability and the leading contributor to work absences. It is also estimated that 93 million workdays are lost each year due to this epidemic.
Did you know that back pain is also the second most common neurological ailment in the United States, with headaches and the common cold being the most common? Back pain is also the third most common reason for surgery, and more than 36 million Americans between the ages of 20 to 64 experience frequent back pain.
The back is an intricate structure of bones, muscles and tissues. The spine is made up of 33 bones and tissue extending from the skull to the pelvis, protecting the spinal cord. As people age, bone strength, muscle elasticity and tone tend to decrease and spinal discs begin to lose fluid and flexibility, decreasing their ability to cushion the vertebrae. Pain can occur while lifting something too heavy, accidents, sports injuries, or overstretching, which can cause strain in the muscles or ligaments in the back. Causes of back pain can be complex. Some problems with the back include disc breakdown, spasms, tense muscles and ruptured discs. Back pain can also occur with some conditions and diseases such as scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, arthritis, spinal stenosis, pregnancy, kidney stones, infections, endometriosis and fibromyalgia.
To prevent back pain it’s important to exercise often and keep your back and muscles strong. Proper exercise can help ease chronic pain, however, you should seek help for acute back pain from a doctor or physical therapist.
Back pain can be mild or extreme, quick or continuous. So what can you do about it? With nearly 85 percent of the US population suffering from back or neck pain at some point in life, it’s important that you find the right professional to help you make informed decisions. Let the following pages of advertisement profiles help you find the right professional care you need for you and your family.
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