The Rising Prevalence of Chronic Low Back Pain

Abstract

Background National or state-level estimates on trends in the prevalence of chronic low back pain (LBP) are lacking. The objective of this study was to determine whether the prevalence of chronic LBP, and the demographic, health-related, and care-seeking characteristics of individuals with the condition have changed over the past 14 years. Methods A cross-sectional, telephone survey of a representative sample of North Carolina (NC) households was conducted in 1992 and repeated in 2006. 4,437 households were contacted in 1992 and 5,357 households were contacted in 2006 to identify noninstitutionalized, adults 21 years and older with chronic, impairing (pain>3 months that limits daily activities). These individuals were interviewed in more detail about their health and care-seeking. Results The prevalence of chronic, impairing LBP rose significantly over the 14 year interval, from 3.9% (95% CI:3.4–4.4) in 1992 to 10.2% (95% CI:9.3–11.0) in 2006. Increases were seen for all adult age strata, in males and females, and in white and black races. Symptom severity and general health were similar for both years. The proportion of individuals who sought care from a health care provider in the past year increased from 73.1% (95% CI:65.2–79.8) to 84.0% (95% CI:80.8–86.8), while mean number of visits to all providers were similar (19.5 vs 19.4). Conclusions The prevalence of chronic, impairing LBP has risen significantly in NC, with continuing high levels of disability and care utilization. A substantial portion of the rise in LBP care costs over the past two decades may be related to this rising prevalence..

The burden of neurological disease in theUnitedStates: A summary report and call to action

“…Although 80% of U.S. citizens will experience acute low back pain in their lifetimes, a significant minority will have symptoms persisting >3 months, becoming CLBP. 12 Although the prevalence of all CLBP for ages 24 to 39 years is 4.2%, the prevalence progressively increases with age, reaching 19.6% when patients through age 59 years are included. 13 Because of the methodological challenges of quantitating severe CLBP and the differing definitions used in different studies, prevalence estimates vary, but were estimated at 10.2% in one well executed state-wide study.…”

“…13 Because of the methodological challenges of quantitating severe CLBP and the differing definitions used in different studies, prevalence estimates vary, but were estimated at 10.2% in one well executed state-wide study. 12 Using this estimate and extrapolating to the entire U.S. population, 32 million Americans are estimated to suffer from CLBP. As per patient direct medical incremental costs are estimated at $1,843 in 2014 dollars, 14 the aggregate direct medical costs attributable to CLBP total $59 billion.…”

Low Back Pain

“…Freburger, et al demonstrated an increase in chronic low back pain from 3.9% (95% CI= 3.4%–4.4%) in 1992 to 10.2% (95% CI= 9.3%–11.0%) in 2006 in a telephone survey of North Carolina households. 97 …”

Mechanisms of low back pain: a guide for diagnosis and therapy

“…The general population prevalence of CLBP is estimated to be 5.91% in Italy 5 . The prevalence of acute and CLBP in adults doubled in the last decade and continues to increase dramatically in the aging population, affecting both men and women in all ethnic groups 6 . LBP has a significant impact on functional capacity, as pain restricts occupational activities and is a major cause of absenteeism 7– 9 .…”