26 Mar 7 Lower Back Pain Facts That Might Surprise You

Ever experience lower back pain? Well unfortunately you are not alone. As you will soon read, back pain is one of the most common reasons why people seek advice from a health professional like a doctor or chiropractor.

Lower back pain is a very common issue that affects people of all ages. It can be caused by several things, such as poor posture, pregnancy, herniated discs, muscle strain and even sitting down too much! You would hear the common phrase “they are the backbone of the team, family, business” probably a little too often. As the saying suggests, the backbone is the single most important component that keeps things strong and together. So when you experience back pain, it can really have a huge impact on your performance, relationships and quality of life.

There are a number of things that you can do to help ease lower back pain. Simple things like taking breaks throughout the day to walk and stretch, as well as more proactive measures like seeing a chiropractor or following a rehabilitation program. The solutions vary based on the sheer volume of different back pain causes, types of back pain and potential underlying issues.

So today let’s unpack 7 lower back pain facts that might surprise you – numbers 3 & 6 actually blew our minds!

Fact #1: Back pain is the second most common reason people visit the doctor

Back pain is one of the most common ailments that people experience, and it is the second most common reason people visit the doctor. This isn’t surprising, since it can be caused by lifestyle factors, including poor posture, muscle strain, and pregnancy.

Fortunately, there are several treatments for lower back pain, such as getting a cortisone injection or seeing a chiropractor. What might be surprising to some people, however, is that there are several simple measures you can take to help alleviate back pain. This includes getting regular exercise, making sure to keep good posture while sitting, and getting regular stretches throughout the day. While these measures may not eliminate the underlying cause of lower back pain, they can help lessen its severity.

Fact #2: More than 80% of adults will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives

Back pain is an incredibly common issue and more than 80% of adults will experience it at some point in their lives. The severity of back pain can range from mild, intermittent pain to severe and chronic back pain. The cause of back pain can also vary, from a simple muscle strain to a more insidious condition, such as a herniated disc or spinal degeneration. What most people don’t realize is that back pain can have a huge effect on your quality of life. It can cause fatigue, and depression, and can make even the most mundane tasks difficult to accomplish.

It’s incredibly important to seek treatment if you find yourself suffering from back pain. This can come in the form of physical therapy, chiropractic care, or even medications. However, it’s important to note that these treatments might not cure the underlying cause of the pain.

Fact #3: Back pain is the leading cause of missed workdays

When most people think of back pain, they usually think of it being a nuisance issue that is mostly annoying but not serious. That’s why it might come as a surprise to some that back pain is one of the leading causes of missed workdays. According to a study conducted by the Australian Federal Government in 2019, musculoskeletal conditions, including back pain, are the leading causes of absenteeism in the country. It is estimated that approximately 25.5 million workdays are lost each year due to musculoskeletal conditions.

Back pain can play havoc on your quality of life, so this doesn’t just apply to people with physical jobs. Pain can make it difficult to concentrate at work, and it can also cause fatigue and depression. So even if your work is more dependent on your mind rather than your body, back pain can make simple tasks difficult. As such, it’s incredibly important to seek help if you’re experiencing back pain, as it can have serious implications on your daily life and career.

Fact #4: The vast majority of lower back pain is mechanical or non-organic

When people experience back pain, they usually assume that they have a serious medical condition. However, the majority of back pain doesn’t stem from a serious condition. Instead, the vast majority of back pain is mechanical or non-organic. This means that it is caused by overuse, bad posture, or muscle strain. For example, sitting for long periods in an awkward position can cause lower back pain.

There are several treatments for non-organic back pain. This includes simple things like taking breaks throughout the day to walk and stretch, as well as more serious measures like seeing a chiropractor or getting surgery. Whatever the cause of your back pain, make sure to talk to your doctor if your pain persists or worsens as they can best advise you on what course of action is right for you.

Fact #5: Lower back pain is a major contributor to global disability

Back pain can have a huge effect on your life, in many cases debilitating to the point that it’s hard to do everyday activities. Lower back pain is a major contributor to global disability. It is the number one cause of disability in people under the age of 45, and it is responsible for much of the physical inactivity seen in adults. Of course, lower back pain can be treated in several ways. These range from simple tips like getting regular exercise, stretching, chiropractic care or medications.

Prevention is important and there are a number of things you can do to help lower your risk of getting back pain. The most common include maintaining good posture, lifting heavy objects properly and regular exercise.

Fact #6: Back pain costs Australia an estimated $9 billion each year

Back pain is more than just an uncomfortable and annoying experience. it is also incredibly costly! According to a 2014 report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, back pain was estimated to cost the Australian economy $9 billion per year in lost productivity and healthcare costs. This includes costs such as medical treatments, hospitalizations, lost income from work, and costs associated with disability and premature death.

What is especially concerning is that it is reported many treatments for lower back pain don’t actually work. It is estimated that up to 85% of people with back pain don’t experience any real relief from self-care treatments. As such, it’s important to make sure you are getting the right treatments for your back pain by seeking advice from a professional who can help diagnose and provide effective treatment for your condition.

Fact #7: The top 5 causes of back pain

Surprisingly the majority of back pain issues stem from lifestyle-related causes, with a smaller percentage of back pain sufferers experiencing issues due to ongoing causes. The top causes of back pain are:

• Muscle or ligament strains: These occur due to sudden or repetitive movements that cause small tears in the muscles or ligaments supporting the spine.
• Herniated or slipped disc: This is the most common cause of back pain. When the soft cushion between the vertebrae ruptures or bulges, it can press on nerves, causing pain and other symptoms like sciatica pain.
• Osteoarthritis: This condition is caused by the degeneration of the cartilage that cushions the joints. It can lead to pain, and stiffness, and may affect the lower back.
• Spinal stenosis: This condition is caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can irritate and compress the nerves that pass through. It can cause pain and weakness in the legs.
• Scoliosis: This occurs when the spine curves abnormally to the side. It can cause back pain, and stiffness, and may even affect breathing and walking.

There you have it, 7 surprising facts about back pain! The best thing anyone could do to minimise back pain is to be proactive and focus on preventative measures. Try adding these simple exercises and stretches into your day to prevent developing back pain:

1. Hamstring stretch: Sit on the floor and extend one leg in front of you, keeping your knee straight. Reach for your toes with both hands and hold for 10-20 seconds. Repeat with the other leg.
2. Knee-to-chest stretch: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet on the floor. Use your hands to pull one knee towards your chest and hold for 10-20 seconds. Repeat with the other leg.
3. Cat/cow stretch: Get down on all fours with your hands under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Inhale and arch your back, lifting your head and tailbone. Exhale and round your back, pulling your chin to your chest. Repeat 5-10 times.
4. Shoulder stretch: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and extend your arms straight behind you. Clasp your hands together and lift your arms as high as possible, feeling a stretch in your shoulders. Hold for 10-20 seconds.
5. Pelvic tilt: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet on the floor. Tighten your stomach muscles and press your lower back into the floor. Hold for 5 seconds, then release. Repeat 10 times.
6. Wall sit: Stand with your back against a wall and your feet shoulder-width apart. Slide down the wall until your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle. Hold for 30 seconds, then stand up and repeat.
7. Hip flexor stretch: Kneel on one knee with your other foot in front of you, keeping your knee bent at a 90-degree angle. Lean forward, stretching your hip flexor on the kneeling leg. Hold for 10-20 seconds, then switch legs.
8. Child’s pose: Get down on all fours, then sit back on your heels with your arms extended in front of you. Relax your back and neck, holding the pose for 10-20 seconds.

By incorporating these exercises and stretches into your daily routine, you can help prevent back pain from developing. Remember to always listen to your body and stop if you feel any discomfort or pain.

If you do develop back pain, get in touch with us straight away so we can work together to find the root cause and get you back to being the backbone of your family, team or business.