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Who Is Affected By Low Back Pain?

Back pain is one of the most common medical complaints in the United States. Every year, more than 26 million adults aged 20 to 64 suffer from chronic back back, and those Americans spent $50 billion last year on direct costs of treating that pain.

So How Can Low Back Pain Affect Me?

1. The Leading Cause of Disability

Recurring back pain doesn’t just hurt, a lot, it can actually cause lasting disability if it goes untreated. In fact, severe back pain is the leading cause of disability for U.S. patients under the age of 45.

2. This Side Effect Will Surprise You

Few people realize there is a strong link between depression and back pain. Not only do new studies suggest that depression is one of the common causes of lower back pain, but prolonged back pain can also cause or worsen symptoms of depression in turn.

If you suffer from low back pain, don’t assume it will go away with time. If it gets worse, speak to a doctor, especially if you feel more depressed than usual.

3. Surgery Can Be Required

Because so many patients suffer from back pain, doctors can now offer Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS), which only require a tiny “keyhole” incision, usually only a few millimeters in length. Typically, people are in and out of the doctor’s office on the same day, and recover at home within three to five days.

So if you’re wondering, “How can low back pain affect me?” the answer isn’t quite so simple. For some people affected by lower back pain, the condition really is just a minor annoyance that can be treated with exercise, massage, or simple over-the-counter meds like Acetaminophen. However, if you still have concerns about low back pain affecting your quality of life, talk to your doctor BEFORE it becomes an emergency.
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