The ‘silent epidemic’ of back pain and how to prevent it from progressing

Back pain, also known as lower back pain or lower back pain, is on its way to becoming a bit of an unofficial pandemic. By 2050, the debilitating condition will affect 843 million people, according to estimates published in the scientific journal Rheumatology, The Lancet.

In a worst-case scenario, up to 933 million cases of back pain – lasting at least 24 hours – could be recorded in 2050, less than 30 years from now. In 2020, the number of episodes of low back pain was estimated to be 619 million, according to the study, which was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

In the near future, the prediction is that the world will be inhabited by 9.7 billion people, as indicated by the United Nations (UN). Somewhere between 8.6% and 9.6% of the population will suffer from debilitating back pain by 2050. Although the percentage is high, it may be an underestimate, as data is now collected almost exclusively in wealthy countries.

What causes back pain?

Low back pain can be caused by various factors, as orthopedist Andre Evaristo Marcondis, of the Center for Advanced Medicine at Cerio Lebanon Hospital, explained to us. Canaltech. The specialist did not participate in the study.

“Lumbago can be definite, when it arises from a fracture or a more serious disease — something that needs surgical and pharmacological intervention,” comments the spine specialist, such as exercise and geriatrics, “for example.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most cases of back pain (90%) are nonspecific. For Dr. Marcondes, “Changes in routine to correct postural addiction can help a lot [nestes casos]”.

How can you avoid back pain?

For a doctor, “the good news is that small changes in posture really do help prevent and relieve symptoms of” back pain, such as:

• doing simple stretching exercises, such as stretching when you wake up;
• be careful when lying down and getting up;
• take the correct stance for picking up and carrying weights;

• avoid spending long periods of time sitting while working;

• Do regular physical activity.
• Find ways to strengthen your abdominal and back (lumbar) muscles, which can be done with bodybuilding.

Thinking of people who work daily in offices, in person in a company, or remotely at home, the Canaltech I’ve already prepared a guide with some basic steps for maintaining a healthy spine, such as the ideal screen height.

Impact of low back pain in the world

“The high prevalence of low back pain observed in all regions of the world may have important social and economic consequences, given the significant cost of treating this condition,” says the international team of researchers in the article.

If the scenario predicted by the international study is confirmed, a wave of back pain cases is expected, with varying degrees of complications. For example, the problem will severely affect people of working age, between the ages of 40 and 50, which could have direct effects on the economy and lower productivity.

Currently, 15.4% of the US workforce has an average of 10.5 work days lost annually due to chronic low back pain. In extreme cases, compulsory vacation and retirement can be expected, overburdening the health and social security systems.

On the other hand, the debilitating risk of back pain is greater for the elderly, because the condition means a loss of mobility and independence, which may create an additional need for caregivers – almost always female family members. In general, health systems are not ready to accommodate these individuals.

When do you seek help with a spine?

“All recurrent or disabling back pain deserves a specialist’s opinion, keeping in mind that early diagnosis of diseases affecting the spine is essential for effective treatment,” Dr. Marcondis recalls. For more severe cases, there are new technologies and emerging treatments such as neurostimulation.

Here, it is important to note that young people, in their 20s and 30s, can also suffer from the problem and they should pay attention to their health from an early age. Even the situation when using a cell phone can have effects. And preventively, keeping the body active and mobile can prevent pain in old age.

source: Rheumatology, The LancetAnd from that it United nations