The Cost of Back Pain

Back pain can be a chronic, debilitating condition and can have a huge impact on your life. It also has a massive financial impact. In 2016 the US spent an estimated $3.1 trillion (17.9% of GDP and an average of $9655 per person) on healthcare. Of the 154 conditions reported on, low back and neck pain had the highest amount of health care spending with an estimated $134.5 billion.

Other musculoskeletal disorders account for the second highest and diabetes the third highest. There is a similar story in Australia where where 50% of Australians have back pain in the past month and back pain is the most common condition keeping older Australians out of work.

This huge financial burden is one of the many reasons it is imperative to manage your back pain well so that it doesn't become chronic.