Overview: Back Pain Facts

It is estimated that back pain afflicts over 31 million Americans and is the number one cause of activity limitation in young adults.1 Within a given year, up to 50% of U.S. adults suffer from back pain.

• Americans spend at least $50 Billion each year on low back pain and it is the second most common neurological ailment in the United States.


• Low back pain is the second most frequent reason for visits to the physician.


• 80% of people over the age of 30 will experience back problems at some point in their lives. 30% of those will have recurring problems.


• Each year, there are approximately 916,000 spinal surgeries performed in the US.


• Back pain accounts for almost one fourth of all occupational injuries and illnesses.


• In the United States, back surgery rates increase almost proportionately with the supply of orthopaedic and neurosurgeons.