Back pain is a common problem experienced by individuals of all ages and backgrounds. It is estimated that up to 80% of adults will experience back pain at some point in their lives, and a significant portion of these cases are related to injuries. In this article, we will discuss statistics about back pain from injuries and the treatments available for the pain.
Statistics on Back Pain from Injuries
Back injuries can occur due to a variety of reasons, including falls, lifting heavy objects, car accidents, sports injuries, and workplace incidents. Here are some statistics related to back pain from injuries:
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), back pain is the second most common neurological ailment in the United States after headaches.
The National Safety Council reports that the most common workplace injury is back injuries, accounting for 20% of all workplace injuries.
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) reports that 31 million Americans experience back pain at any given time, and 80% of Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives.
The ACA also states that back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
Treatments Available for Back Pain from Injuries
Treatments
There are various treatments available for back pain from injuries, depending on the severity and cause of the pain. Here are some common treatments:
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help alleviate back pain by strengthening the muscles, improving flexibility, and reducing inflammation. Physical therapists use a combination of exercises, stretching, and manual therapy techniques to help patients regain function and reduce pain.
Medications: Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen can help reduce back pain. Prescription medications such as muscle relaxants and opioids may also be prescribed in severe cases.
Injections: Corticosteroid injections can help reduce inflammation and pain in the affected area. These injections are often used for short-term relief of back pain.
Surgery: Surgery is typically a last resort treatment for back pain from injuries. Surgery may be recommended if there is a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or other structural issues that are causing the pain.
Alternative therapies: Alternative therapies such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage therapy, and yoga may also be helpful in reducing back pain. These therapies focus on holistic approaches to healing and can help reduce stress and tension in the body.
Conclusion
Back pain from a slip or fall, work-related injury or car accident is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. There are various treatments available, depending on the severity and cause of the pain. Physical therapy , injections, Orthopedic surgery, and alternative therapies (Acupuncture), are all effective treatments that can help alleviate back pain and improve overall quality of life. If you are experiencing back pain, it is important to seek medical advice and explore your treatment options to find the best approach for your individual needs.
Citations:
Casiano VE, Sarwan G, Dydyk AM, et al. Back Pain. [Updated 2023 Feb 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538173/
References:
PubMed: www.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Google Scholar: scholar.google.com
ResearchGate: www.researchgate.net
The Cochrane Library: www.cochranelibrary.com
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI): www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
New York Pain Doctors: www.newyorpaindoctors.com (NYPMD)