For many Americans, hard work takes it toll as chronic pain sets in. It is estimated that there are as many as 80% of people affected by lower back pain and 45% of workers affected by neck pain in the United States. Over 1.5 billion people suffer from chronic pain worldwide. Back pain specifically is the leading cause of disability for Americans under the age of 45. Many people just live with the pain, but there are better options to bring much needed relief to those people affected by lower back pain.
Finding an Expert
A survey conducted by the National Institute of Health Statistics found that lower back pain was the most common source of pain for those surveyed, affecting 27% of those asked. Headache or migraine pain accounted for 15%, as did neck pain at 15%. Facial aches or pains accounted for only 4% of common aches according to respondents. Americans spend an average of $50 billion per year on relief for back pain, yet this only accounts for the most easily identified costs. Identifying the cause of pain is best left to an expert like a chiropractor or dermatologist. In 2007, 19.1 million Americans sought medical treatment for back pain from a professional; finding a professional is your best bet to end chronic pain.
Treatment Options
There are a variety of treatment options for those suffering from chronic back or neck pain. Physical exercise programs consist of back exercises meant to strengthen, stretch, and offer a low-impact form of aerobic exercise to the area. There are medications available for people affected by lower back pain like acetaminophen, NSAIDs, oral steroids, narcotics, muscle relaxants, and even anti-depressants. Back or neck surgery may be an option, however there are minimally invasive surgery options where the surgeon only needs to make a tiny incision from 7 millimeters to 1 inch depending on the type of procedure performed. Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) has patients returning home the same day with a full recovery in as little as 3 to 5 days. Find a specialist and consider your options today so you can start living pain free as soon as possible!
