Data show the percentage of adults with back pain increased with age, ranging from 28.4% in 18 - 29 years, 35.2% in patients aged 30 - 44 years, 44.3% in patients aged 45 - 64 years, and 45.6 for patients aged ≥65 years.
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the major disabling health conditions among older adults aged 60 years or older.
Both black and Hispanic people suffer a higher prevalence of back pain than whites, who 39% of experience pain in the lower back. The prevalence of back pain among whites 55 and older was 35.2%, with blacks reporting 34.7% and Hispanics at 32.1%.
Among males, back pain and problems were the second leading cause of disease burden for those aged 25–44 and 45–54 and the third leading cause for those aged 55–64. Among females, they were the leading cause for those aged 45–54 and the second leading cause for those aged 25–44.
Age. Back pain in patients younger than 18 years or older than 50 years constitutes a red flag. In both groups, back pain is more likely to have a serious cause such as tumor or infection.
Overuse and muscle strains are by far the most common causes of back pain in children and teens but usually resolve after a period of rest or activity modification. Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, as well as ice or warm compresses may also help relieve symptoms.
Summary. While it's not as common as it is in adults, back pain can be a problem for kids and teens. Children who play sports, lug heavy backpacks at school, or are at a higher body weight are more likely to have back pain.
Most often, back pain experienced at a young age is the result of overly strenuous exercising, a job that requires lifting objects that are too heavy, or a sudden awkward movement such as bending over to pick up a toddler. This type of back pain is usually due to Back Strain.
Most young adults don't expect to suffer from back pain, it is usually associated with people who are much older. However, in your mid twenties to early thirties, it is possible to suddenly start experiencing lower back pain. This kind of soreness can be very debilitating and severely affect your quality of life.
Our metabolism tends to slow down in our 30s and 40s, meaning we may be prone to weight gain. This extra weight only puts more stress on our spines, which can lead to injury. Junk foods and fatty foods can also contribute to the onset of spinal inflammation, which can compress spinal nerves and make movement painful.
Back pain is more common with age, starting around age 30 or 40. Lack of exercise. Weak, unused muscles in the back and abdomen might lead to back pain. Excess weight.
“Studies have shown that close to 85% of people experience one or more episodes of back pain in their lifetime.” So should you accept daily back pain as something that is just bound to happen eventually, or is there something you can do about it? First you have to understand what causes back pain.
In general, osteoarthritis (the most common type of arthritis) and degenerative disk disease (the natural wear and tear of spinal disks) are the underlying cause of many types of chronic lower back pain. However, lower back pain can also be caused by accident-related trauma and acute stress.
In our 20s and 30s, “normal” back pain often can be attributed to factors of daily life, such as sitting too long, picking up children, or overdoing it while exercising. In our 40s and older, work injuries and the beginnings of arthritis and degenerative conditions are more common.
Back pain red flags – Night Pain
Back pain that worsens at night or while you're sleeping might indicate something more severe like an infection or cancer. This is especially true if you also have other symptoms in addition to your back discomfort when you sleep or relax.
Summary. The complications of poor posture include back pain, spinal dysfunction, joint degeneration, rounded shoulders and a potbelly. Suggestions to improve your posture include regular exercise and stretching, ergonomic furniture and paying attention to the way your body feels.
Most back pain goes away on its own. But if your back pain has been lingering for more than two weeks without improvement, it's been coming and going for some time, or if you're experiencing any alarming symptoms, don't delay the care you need.
Using the same criteria to evaluate the safety of spinal adjustments for children indicates that the risk of children being injured as a result of having their spines adjusted by a chiropractor is negligible.
Young Teens (12-14 years of age)
"Since it stretches the ligaments, cracking your back could also potentially also lead to joint instability over time if you do it frequently enough — which, in turn, could increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis," says Dr. Palmer.
Common Causes of Chronic Back Pain
Arthritis of the spine —the gradual thinning of the cartilage inside the spine. Spinal stenosis —narrowing of the spinal canal that may lead to nerve pain. Disc problems, such as a herniated or bulging disc. Myofascial pain syndrome—unexplained muscle pain and tenderness.
Most back pain will subside after a few days, but if you've been experiencing pain for over a week, then it's time to call a doctor. Your doctor will perform any examinations or tests required to help get to the bottom of your pain before it could become a bigger problem.
Your Mattress is Either Too Soft or Too Hard
A mattress that is too soft for you can start hurting your spine sooner than you realize. A mattress that is too hard causes joint pressure. Most sleep experts recommend going for a medium-firm orthopedic mattress to combat this issue.