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How common is back pain?
Back pain is very common.

  • Between 60 percent and 90 percent of us get it at some time in our lives.1
  • Between 15 to 45 percent of Americans are affected by it each year.
  • Back pain is the second most common reason for taking time off work.1
  • A quarter of all days lost from work are due to back pain.2
  • Back pain is most common between the ages of 35 and 55.



Sources for the information on this page:
  1. Devereaux MW. Low back pain Primary Care. 2004; 31: 33-51. 15110157
  2. Levin KH, Covington EC, Devereaux MW, et al. Neck and low back pain. Continuum. 2001; 7: 1-205.
This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.