The High Cost of Back Pain

by Kristy Como Armand

Back pain does more than hurt. It can interfere with work, exercise, sleep and everyday activities, and when it becomes chronic, the financial impact can be significant for patients, employers and the healthcare system.

Low back pain remains the leading cause of disability worldwide. A recent Global Burden of Disease data report said that approximately 628.8 million people worldwide were living with low back pain in 2021, with about 266.9 million new cases occurring that year. While age-adjusted rates have declined somewhat over time, the total number of people affected continues to rise as the global population ages.

The financial burden is equally striking. The most comprehensive national analysis to date estimated that Americans spent $134.5 billion on healthcare for low back and neck pain in 2016, more than for any of the other 154 conditions studied. More recent research continues to document substantial costs, with a 2024 study finding average back-pain-related healthcare expenses of more than $7,100 per patient in the first year after a chronic low back pain diagnosis.

“Back pain has an enormous impact because it’s so common and because it can affect nearly every part of a person’s life,” says Craig Morton, MD, physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist with the Center for Orthopaedics. “For some people, it’s a short-term problem. For others, chronic back pain can affect their ability to work, exercise and perform normal daily activities.”

The CDC reported that 24.3% of U.S. adults experienced chronic pain in 2023, while 8.5% had high-impact chronic pain that frequently limited their life or work activities. Back pain is one of the most common sources of chronic pain.

Why Does Your Back Hurt?

One reason back pain can be challenging to treat is that there is not always an obvious structural cause. In fact, it’s estimated that approximately 90% of low back pain is “non-specific,” meaning it cannot be attributed to a specific disease or structural problem.

“Two patients can have similar symptoms but very different causes and treatment needs,” Dr. Morton explains. “That’s why we look at the whole picture, including the patient’s symptoms, activity level, work demands, previous injuries and overall health. Treatment needs to be individualized.”

He says several factors can increase the likelihood of developing back pain.

The workplace is an important part of the equation. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, an estimated 8.3 million U.S. adults have low back pain attributed to work. Jobs involving frequent lifting, pushing, pulling, bending, twisting, vibration or prolonged positioning can increase strain on the back.

At the opposite extreme, inactivity can contribute to weak muscles and poor conditioning, making the back more vulnerable to injury.

Age also plays a role. Although back pain can occur at any age, its prevalence increases with age, with the number of cases peaking around ages 50 to 55.

Other factors associated with back problems include previous injuries, smoking, obesity and prolonged poor posture. Stress, anxiety and other psychological factors can also influence how people experience and cope with chronic pain.

A Changing Approach to Treatment

The good news is that treatment has changed considerably. Dr. Morton says surgery is not the first or only option for most patients. Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists focus on restoring function and reducing pain using nonsurgical approaches whenever appropriate.

“Today we have many options that can help people manage back pain and return to the things they want and need to do,” says Dr. Morton. “Physical therapy, exercise, activity modification, education, medications and minimally invasive treatments can all play a role depending on the cause of the pain.”

Putting the Odds in Your Favor

There is no guaranteed way to prevent back pain, but Dr. Morton says several habits can reduce risk. Regular physical activity helps strengthen the muscles that support the spine and maintain flexibility. Using proper lifting techniques, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and paying attention to workplace ergonomics can also help.

And while the old advice for back pain often involved extended rest, today’s approach generally emphasizes maintaining or gradually returning to normal activity when medically appropriate.

“The goal isn’t just to make the pain go away,” explains Dr. Morton. “It’s to help patients function better, stay active and reduce the chances that back pain will continue interfering with their lives.”

For more information about back pain treatment, contact the Center for Orthopaedics at 337-721-7236 or visit centerforortho.com.