Are you one of the 1.5 billion people worldwide who suffer from chronic pain? If so, don’t feel like you have to suffer through it – find treatment options in your area. There are dozens of spinal rehabilitation specialists that can offer advice, and if you end up needing surgery they are usually minimally invasive. Here are a few things to know and remember about back, neck, and headache pain:
1. Back Pain – You may be wondering “who is affected by low back pain?” Believe it or not, over 26 million Americans ages 20-64 say that they experience frequent back pain. That is more than the entire population of Texas! If you have ever endured back pain then you know how much it can affect your life. It seems as though we use our backs, in some way, for everything we do throughout the day. Back pain is so common in the United States that there is an estimated $50 billion spent on it each year.
2. Neck Pain – Current statistics show that around 15% of the population experiences neck pain. Are you one of those people? Neck pain affects nearly half (45%) of today’s workers, and is the second most common chronic pain reported in the United States. Neck pain shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you are experiencing neck pain or even general neck discomfort that seems constant consult with a doctor as soon as you can. Don’t be worried that your neck pain will absolutely call for neck surgery – in many cases your doctor will look at other treatment options first.
3. Headache/Migraine Pain – If you or someone you know has ever experienced a severe headache or migraine you probably understand the toll that it can take. Migraines can affect people’s vision, hearing, and balance and they should be taken seriously. If you find that you have several migraines each week or month, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor for help. No one should have to suffer through daily or weekly migraines. In many cases, if you suffer from migraine you may also fall into the group who is affected by low back pain.
In a National Institute of Health Statistics survey, respondents indicated that low back pain was the most common type of chronic pain (27%), followed by severe headache pain (15%), and neck pain (15%). So the answer to your question of “who is affected by low back pain” is: a lot of people. In fact, you probably know someone who is currently dealing with chronic back, neck, or migraine pain. Find a specialist in your area today who can provide you with treatment options to end your chronic pain for good.