"Sciatica ended my rowing career, but I'm just getting started in cycling"

From cyclingweekly.com

From rower to runner to Rás winner in four short years, Dom Jackson is making waves in UK cycling. Shane Stokes finds out more about his amazing switch from oars to pedals 

Dom Jackson joined an exclusive cadre of riders in May. Only seven British riders have won the Rás Tailteann - an annual international cycling stage race, held in Ireland - in its 69-year history. The Foran CT rider became part of that exclusive group, winning the five-day race outright after a superb display. That’s a big achievement for any rider, but given Jackson had been racing for just four seasons, having previously competed in a completely different sport, his victory was all the more extraordinary.

“At the start of every year, the team manager Tom Quaid asked for everyone’s goals for the year. The Rás was top of the list by a country mile,” Jackson tells Cycling Weekly. “It was the one thing that I had set my sights on from the end of last year.” Now 26, Jackson’s path into cycling has been an unusual one. He grew up in Kingston-on-Thames and was part of a Sea Scouts group as a child, spending much of his spare time in kayaks and canoes. His interest in watersports saw him take up rowing while at school, but he did not excel straight away.

                                                                                                                             (Image credit: Future)

“I used to cycle about half an hour into school every day,” he says. “I remember how during the first two or three years of rowing, I was more fussed about how quickly I could cycle home than the rowing itself,” he remembers. “But then towards the end of my school career, I hit puberty, grew quite a bit and actually got really pretty good at rowing.” While studying for A-levels, Jackson was selected by GB selectors for the Coupe de la Jeunesse races. “It is essentially a European Championships for rowing, but for juniors,” he explains. Encouraged by the experience, he resolved to knuckle down to the sport.

The school coach Neil Double recognised Jackson’s talent and encouraged him to try for the under-18 Lightweight 5,000m indoor rowing record in February 2016. The fast-developing teenager duly broke it, and went on to take bronze at the Junior World Championships and then fourth in the lightweight men’s pair at the under-23 Worlds in 2017. The following year, however, while studying at Newcastle University, his rowing progress was brought to a sudden halt when he picked up a back injury in the gym. He limped on with the resulting sciatica for a year and a half, but it essentially ended his rowing journey.

                                                                                              (Image credit: Dom Jackson)

“I couldn’t sit in a chair for more than 20 or 30 minutes before having to stretch, get up, walk around,” he explains. “I was doing all kinds of crazy things to get three hours’ sleep, then same again, get up and do some nerve flossing or stretching, and then another few hours’ sleep. Just rinse and repeat.” Jackson found that running helped his injury, but the sport failed to hold his interest during Covid, so he switched to cycling – albeit with caution to protect his back. “At first I found that if it sat a bit funny on the saddle, I was able to ride,” he says. “That summer it was so sunny and I was just really loving it.”

Progressing quickly, Jackson joined Kingston Wheelers in London (UK), started Zwifting during the next wave of Covid restrictions, and became addicted to improving his numbers. Getting ever fitter and faster, he began racing in the spring of 2021, and with decent results from the off, he was soon picked up by London team Foran CT. In April 2023 he travelled to Ireland with the team and rode the Kerry Group Rás Mumhan, winning the third stage and taking fifth overall – not bad for his second stage race. Upon returning, he ran the London Marathon in a very decent 2:43.17. Less than a month later, he was on the start line of his first Rás Tailteann. He finished seventh overall, and relished the experience.

“The Rás is huge,” he enthuses. “In the UK it’s seen as the stage race to win. It has so much history that it almost doesn’t need an introduction, because everyone in cycling knows about it. For lots of British riders, it’s the first time we witness crowds on the sides of the streets cheering for us, wanting us to do well.” He resolved to return and try to win.

                                                                                                                       (Image credit: Lorraine O'Sullivan)

Jackson describes himself as “very competitive” and someone who goes all-in. He booked himself an Airbnb in Sierra Nevada, Spain, in the build-up to this year’s Rás, spending a month training at altitude. “I was by myself because I wanted to be in the best shape possible,” he explains, “but a month in your own head–” he pauses. “There were definitely a few days when I had a bit of a mental wobble.” He stuck it out, fending off the what-if thoughts about how an inopportune puncture or missed break could undo all his preparation, and the rest is history.

Jackson was third on stage one, took over the yellow jersey the following day, and with the help of the team, defended it until the final stage. The win was never a foregone conclusion; in fact, it was the closest ever edition, with three riders locked on precisely the same time. “I went into the Rás with the attitude that I’ll just do as well as I possibly can,” he says, “so whatever the outcome, if I’d done my best I could be happy. To finish the last day still in yellow, it made all of the sacrifices, all of the training, all of the nutrition stuff instantly worth it.” The big win instantly raised Jackson’s profile on the domestic racing scene. “The reaction afterwards was amazing,” he says. “At local races, and elsewhere in the UK, people I don’t particularly know were coming up and saying, ‘Oh, really well done to you and your team over in Ireland’. It was just really lovely.”

A month after his big win in Ireland, Jackson finished 13th in the National Championship road race – best of those not on a professional or pro development team – and just two seconds off Ben Swift of Ineos Grenadiers. In July he was eighth in the 1.2-ranked GP de Pérenchies in France, and more recently he went to the French Alps on holiday and showed further progression. “I put out my best numbers ever going up Alpe d’Huez,” he says. “I’ve got the fastest time there this year, and 25th fastest all time.” On 3 September he also set a new record for the Box Hill climb, one of the most competitive segments on Strava, averaging 33.7kph (20.9mph) to cover the 2.2km in four minutes and five seconds, smashing the mark of Q36.5 pro Rory Townsend by eight seconds.

It’s eight years since that indoor world rowing achievement and now, aged 26, he’s still breaking records, still pushing his own boundaries. Having earned a sports psychology and biology degree in Newcastle, he runs his own coaching business. Like many riders in their mid-20s, he feels he is at a crossroads in his life. “I would love to get paid to ride my bike. Otherwise I’ll have to get myself a big boy job,” he reflects. “Something that pays well, working in the City or something, and then continuing to cycle but doing fewer hours – perhaps ride as a domestique at Foran for the next younger rider who’s coming through.”

Does he have a plan, something he hopes could yet secure an international contract? “I’ve been trying for the Zwift Academy,” he says. “I’ve been ticking off the workouts and will only find out if I’ve made it through the fi rst round, halfway through October. But so far, so good.” With past winners such as Jay Vine and Neve Bradbury breaking through this way, Jackson seems exceptionally well placed to follow suit.

https://www.cyclingweekly.com/fitness/sciatica-ended-my-rowing-career-but-im-just-getting-started-in-cycling

Save your spine

From newindianexpress.com

Poor posture can even trigger sciatica, causing pain that radiates from the lower back down to the legs

CHENNAI: Do you have a colleague who spends all day glued to their chair, consistently turning down chai or coffee breaks? Then this is a warning to that workaholic - get ready to spend your hard-earned salary on health bills! Experts say that prolonged sitting can lead to multiple health issues.

In light of World Spine Day on October 16, experts talk about these problems and gather tips on how to prevent them.

Referring to a recent study published by the International Journal of Health Sciences and Research, Dr Suman Tadagonda, sports medicine physician and specialist in spine and athletes health at nSure Healthy Spine, Hyderabad, said that globally, lower back pain affects more than 540 million people and the condition has doubled in the last 25 years.

“In India, 64% of Indian IT professionals reported symptoms of pain and discomfort. Data suggests that most of the workforce, due to longer sitting hours, develop a lot of musculoskeletal health issues. They suffer from discomfort and pain in the hips, legs, neck, and shoulders. And the concerning part is that they don’t realise the very existence of the problem,” he said. Though this study only refers to IT people, experts believe that the effects of longer sitting hours are the same for everyone.

When you sit for long hours, it’s obvious that your spine will be affected. Highlighting some common spine-related problems, Dr Venkatesh Yeddula, senior consultant neurosurgeon at CARE Hospitals, Hyderabad, said, “One of the most frequently observed issues is chronic lower back pain, often caused by slouched posture or long hours of sitting.

This can lead to disc degeneration or herniated discs.” He added that many young individuals also suffer from neck pain due to leaning towards screens. Other issues, such as shoulder pain and muscle imbalances, arise from weakened core muscles and tight hips. Poor posture can even trigger sciatica, causing pain that radiates from the lower back down to the legs.

Dr Suman added that the pressure on the spine in any form is a starting point for developing not only upper and lower back pain but also leads to scoliosis, kyphosis, and other problems.

But that isn’t all; spine issues often contribute to broader health problems. Dr Venkatesh said that headaches can result from neck strain due to poor posture. Additionally, improper spinal alignment can cause poor circulation, leading to fatigue and muscle stiffness. Over time, spinal misalignment may even affect respiratory function, making breathing less efficient. Chronic pain from spine issues can also contribute to mental health problems like stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

PREVENTION TIPS

Dr Venkatesh Yeddula gives us some tips to care for our spines:

• Use a chair with proper lumbar support, adjust your screen to eye level, and keep your feet flat on the ground to maintain a neutral posture.

• Take breaks every 30-40 minutes. Stand up, stretch, and walk around to relieve pressure on the spine and improve circulation.

• Practice good posture by sitting upright, avoiding slouching, and using pillows or rolled-up towels for additional lumbar support if needed.

• Apart from regular physical activity like walking, swimming, or yoga, incorporate simple stretches for the neck, shoulders, back, and hips to reduce muscle stiffness and improve flexibility.

• Engage in core-strengthening exercises like planks or pilates to support your spine and reduce the risk of back injuries.

• Drink plenty of water to keep spinal discs hydrated. This improves their ability to cushion and support your movements.

• If needed, use a footrest to ensure your legs are properly supported and reduce lower back strain.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2024/Oct/19/save-your-spine-2 

Acupuncture helps sciatica in gold-standard clinical trial

From cosmosmagazine.com

A randomised-control trial has found that acupuncture can help reduce leg pain in patients with sciatica.

The study is published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese practice involving the insertion of needles into specific points in the body, known as “acupoints”.

While there’s evidence it can help treat chronic pain, the researchers say there is a lack of high-quality evidence to support its use with sciatica.

The Chinese team of researchers enrolled 216 patients in the trial, all of whom had chronic sciatica from a herniated spinal disc.

Patients were randomly assigned to either an acupuncture group or a control group, where they received 10 treatment sessions over 4 weeks.

Patients in the acupuncture group were treated by licensed acupuncturists with at least 3 years of experience, while the control group received a “sham acupuncture” treatment from the acupuncturists.

“For the sham group, acupuncturists used nonacupoints away from the meridians, which are considered to have no effect; this is common practice for sham controls in acupuncture research,” write the researchers in their paper.

Patients weren’t told which group they were in, and a blinding test showed they were still unaware after receiving the treatment. The researchers also didn’t know which group the patients were in, with only the acupuncturists being unblinded.

The researchers followed up with the patients 1, 2, 6 and 12 months after the intervention, asking them to rate their pain and capability with surveys frequently used in health research.

They found that patients who had the acupuncture treatment consistently reported lower pain and higher function, both immediately after and a year after the treatment.

While the acupuncture group was still doing better than the sham acupuncture group at the 1-year mark, the difference had narrowed compared to the 4-week mark.

“Given the large effect sizes that this trial found, acupuncture should be considered to be a potential treatment option for patients with chronic sciatica from herniated disk,” write the researchers in their paper.

They also propose doing more research comparing acupuncture with painkillers and surgery, both of which can have mixed results in sciatica patients.

https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/medicine/acupuncture-helps-sciatica-in-gold-standard-clinical-trial/ 

Breaks from sitting can stop your back pain from getting worse

From thenewdaily.com.au

We know that prolonged periods of sitting increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Along the way to that early death, you have a higher chance of being overweight and experiencing depression.

We’ve been reporting on this issue for ten years, beginning with a cheery story:

‘Do you work in an office? Your job could be killing you’.

One more thing to keep in mind: sitting for hours at a time isn’t great for the back. Your pain while sitting might indicate a challenging condition such as a herniated disc or sciatica.

Chances are, though, your posture is to blame – slumping  more than sitting – along with your overall poor fitness.

                                                                                                       Photo: Getty

Prevailing advice

There’s a lot of advice on how to sit properly, how to set up your chair and desk correctly, and how to remember to keep your feet flat on the floor.

For a long time, we were told that sitting up straight was the preferred posture. Then some researchers said this lacked evidence.

Researchers from the University of Turku in Finland make the sensible point that you’re better off varying your posture than trying to stick to a perfect model.

Much of the research into prolonged sitting looks at consequences and potential ways of lowering your risk of early death.

The Finnish researchers, in a new study, take a real world approach, using overweight participants who already suffer back pain.

The question of the study is a simple one:

Can you prevent back pain from getting worse by reducing how much you sit each day?

Intuitively, the researchers say, “it is easy to think that reducing sitting would help with back pain, but previous research data is surprisingly scarce”.

The new study

Sixty-four adults that were overweight or obese or had metabolic syndrome were randomised into either an intervention group or a control group. These were people who spent most of their days sitting down.

“Our participants were quite normal middle-aged adults, who sat a great deal, exercised little, and had gained some extra weight,” said Turku Doctoral Researcher and Physiotherapist Jooa Norha.

“These factors not only increase the risk for cardiovascular disease but also for back pain.”

The intervention group aimed to reduce sedentary behaviour by one hour a day (measured with accelerometers) over six months. The control group continued their regular sitting habits.

Back pain intensity and pain-related disability were assessed.

The results? Sort of encouraging.

The participants were able to reduce their sitting by 40 minutes per day, on average, during the six-month study.

“Pain-related disability increased during the intervention in both groups,” the authors write.

“Back pain intensity increased significantly more in the control group than in the intervention group in which back pain intensity remained unchanged.

It’s somewhat depressing that, overall, the intervention group failed to get off their weakening buttock muscles for a lousy hour a day.

On the other hand, that they managed to prevent their pain from worsening suggests it may not take much more to actually decrease their pain.

Mr Norha summed it up:

“If you have a tendency for back pain or excessive sitting and are concerned for your back health, you can try to figure out ways for reducing sitting at work or during leisure time.

“However, it is important to note that physical activity, such as walking or more brisk exercise, is better than simply standing up.”

https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/life/2024/10/07/stop-back-pain-from-getting-worse

Back Pain Facts and Statistics in 2024

From ncoa.org

Back pain affects millions of Americans of all ages each year and costs billions of dollars in expenses. Read on to learn more about this condition, its impact on daily life, and potential treatments.

Written by: Lauren Alexander

Medically reviewed by: Suzanne Gorovoy, PhD

Reviewed by: Susan Stiles, PhD, Healthy Aging Expert

Key Takeaways

• Nearly 620 million people dealt with back pain globally in 2020. 
• Adults 65 and older are more likely to experience back pain than any other age group.
• U.S. workers lose roughly 83 million work days yearly due to back pain.
• Lower back pain is more common than upper back pain.
• Back pain costs billions of dollars in health care each year, with low back pain costing roughly $50 billion alone.

Most of us have experienced back pain at one point in our lives. It’s a prevalent condition that affects roughly 39% of U.S, adults, with data showing it impacts 619 million people globally. We experience back pain as acute or chronic:

• Acute back pain occurs suddenly, typically due to a specific injury, and can resolve within a few days but may persist for up to six weeks.

• Chronic back pain develops gradually and may worsen over time. It’s characterized by pain lasting at least three months or recurring occasionally over approximately six months.

“Back pain is a generic term used to describe uncomfortable sensations from the neck to the sacrum, either in the midline or in the muscles adjacent to the spine (paraspinal musculature). The vast majority of back pain is considered ‘nonspecific,’ with no clear structural cause for the symptoms,” said Simon Harris, a spine and orthopaedic surgeon in Toronto.

In this article, we’ll discuss data on the different types of back pain, its prevalence, who is at risk of developing it, and potential treatments. 

Back pain types and causes

According to Harris, lower back pain is typically more common than neck or upper back pain. Upper back pain, or pain that can be felt in the neck, is typically characterized by feelings of tightness, aching, or shooting pains in the thoracic region (the 12 vertebrae attached to the ribs). According to recent research, 15%–35% of adults worldwide experience thoracic back pain throughout their lifetime. 

Upper back pain can occur from trauma, strain, poor posture, and even illness. A few specific symptoms to be aware of if you’re experiencing upper back pain are fever, chills, and upset stomach, which may indicate an underlying condition such as shingles. Shingles is a virus that can cause a rash and pain, potentially leading to long-term nerve pain in the back, also known as post-herpetic neuralgia. This is especially important for older adults to rule out since adults over 70 are 70% more likely to have ongoing pain from shingles than those under 70. The two-dose shingles vaccine is recommended for adults age 50 and older.

Thoracic pain may also radiate to your arms as feelings of tingling, numbness, or overall weakness. “If there is impingement of the spinal nerves, it can cause pain to radiate into the arms or legs. If the pain shoots into the buttock and posterior thigh into the leg below the knee, this is commonly referred to as sciatica,” said Harris. 

Sciatica is a type of pain that originates in the lower back and is caused by pressure placed on the sciatic nerve. While sciatica can cause pain in the lower back, the sciatic nerve runs down the leg and can cause pain in the hips, legs, and even feet. Sciatica makes up 10% of the cases of lower back pain, and it is most common in people over age 40. Some of the best mattresses for sciatica may help ease sciatica symptoms.

The causes of back pain vary widely, but most back pain is considered “mechanical.” This means it originates from the spinal structure, which includes the bones, ligaments, discs, joints, and nerves.    

Common causes of back pain include:

• Inflammatory conditions, like arthritis
• Herniated discs
• Muscle strains and injury
• Osteoporosis
• Fibromyalgia
• Kidney stones or infections
• Endometriosis
• Pregnancy
• Scoliosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Pinched or compressed nerves
• Narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis)
• Vertebral fractures
• Tumours

Mechanical back pain makes up more than 90% of back pain cases. Getting to the root cause of your back pain ensures you get the proper treatment, so it’s important to tell your health care provider about all your symptoms. 

Back pain statistics by age

Research shows that back pain is less prevalent in children than in adults. One study showed that only 1% of 12-year-olds experienced back pain, and only 5% of 15-year-olds experienced it. But as age increases, so does the likelihood of experiencing back pain. The same study showed that 50% of people experienced back pain at least once by age 18 (females) and 20 (males). 

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that adults over 65 are more likely to experience back pain. Here’s the breakdown by age:

• 30–44: 35.2%
• 45–64: 44.3% 
• 65 and older: 45.6% 

Managing back pain is different for children than for adults. It’s important to rule out any pre-existing conditions before getting diagnosed with acute back pain. If there’s no serious condition, a doctor will likely advise older patients to avoid any activity that worsens pain and educate them about prevention and management techniques. Doctors will also want to rule out any pre-existing conditions for any adult with chronic back pain. If none exist, the doctor may recommend exercise or cognitive behavioural therapy to help manage symptoms. Other treatment options include massage, acupuncture, yoga, and other rehabilitation techniques. 

Back pain statistics by gender

The CDC reported women experience back pain more often than men: 40.6% of women over the age of 18 are likely to experience back pain compared to 37.2% of men over the age of 18. 

Harris, a spine and orthopaedic surgeon, noted a lower bone mineral density, the physical changes associated with pregnancy, and the hormonal changes of menopause as possible contributing factors to the increased incidence of low back pain in women.

Physiological differences between the sexes may also contribute to women experiencing more back pain than men. One such difference is the structure of the sacroiliac joints (the joints that link the pelvis and lower spine), which are more flexible in women than men. Research shows that because this joint is more flexible in women, the stress load they put on it is higher, which can lead to more strain and, eventually, lower back pain.

Back pain statistics by activity level

Back pain can be caused or triggered by certain everyday activities, and knowing which ones to avoid can help you avoid potential pain. Examples include sitting at a desk all day, gardening, poor exercise posture, and inactivity. According to Harvard Health, here are some other potential triggers of back pain:

• Desk jobs: While you may think of sitting at a desk as a low-risk activity, it can actually cause or worsen back pain. A survey conducted by BrandWatch said back pain was the second most common complaint during the pandemic, with nearly 1 million people posting about their back pain on online forums between March 2020 and January 2021. While poor work-from-home posture is a possible contributing factor, a general lack of movement and sitting (even on the couch) for a long time can also lead to back pain.  

When you’re sitting for extended periods of time, pressure is being placed on the spine and the discs between your vertebrae. While posture can be adjusted to reduce pressure, it’s not a cure-all if you sit for more than six consecutive hours each day. Getting up to stand or walk every hour and maintaining a healthy posture can help reduce the risk of back pain. 

• Heavy lifting: Because heavy objects place more strain on your back, it’s important to use the right posture. Before picking up a heavy object, get as close to it as you can. Engage your core and keep your stomach muscles tight to support your spine. Also, be sure to pivot your entire body if you need to turn (move your feet) instead of twisting your back. Lastly, always be sure to lift with your legs, meaning don’t use your back muscles to stand. Instead, use your leg muscles to propel you up. Keep the object close to your chest as you carry it. 

• Leading an inactive lifestyle: Although you may think laying low would be a good way to avoid back pain, experts say the opposite may be true. Physical activity, such as walking, exercising, and regularly stretching your hip and back muscles, can help you maintain strength. It can also increase blood flow to the back, which may help reduce pain symptoms. 

• Improper exercise habits: Before getting off the couch and heading to the gym, know how to exercise properly to avoid injury or trigger back pain. Overextending the spine when working out is one of the leading causes of back pain, as is working out for too long or too intensely. If you’re just starting your exercise routine at the gym, talk to a professional to ensure you have proper form. 

Occupational back pain statistics

Back pain and work are closely linked. Statistics from Georgetown University show that back pain is the No. 1 cause of missed work in the United States, with 83 million days of work lost per year due to back pain.

Because back pain affects working-age people, it significantly impacts the workforce and employment levels. Data published in The Lancet Rheumatology show that back pain may lead to some people retiring early, which can create a loss of income and lower total wealth compared to people employed full-time. 

According to the CDC, back pain is also linked with family income. Data reveal that 44.8% of adults with an income below the federal poverty level (which, as of 2024, was $15,060 a year for a single person) experience back pain compared to 37% of adults who live above the poverty level. 

According to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the type of work someone does may also influence the likelihood of back pain. For example, data show that people who work in construction have a high likelihood of experiencing back pain, with roughly 32% of workers in this field reporting any type of lower back pain and 9.9% reporting frequent and severe low back pain. Health care practitioners and technical workers also reported a high level of back pain, with roughly 29% saying they experienced back pain of any type and 7.5% saying they experienced severe low back pain. 

The Annals of Internal Medicine shares other industries that reported high levels of back pain, including:

• Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance: 30% reported general back pain.
• Personal care and service: 30% reported general back pain.
• Office and administrative support: 29% reported general back pain.
• Installation, maintenance, and repair: 30% reported general back pain.
• Transportation and material moving: 29% reported general back pain.
• People in the legal profession: 26% reported general back pain.

The study also reported that workers ages 45–64 are 5% more likely to experience back pain than workers ages 30–44 and 10% more likely than workers ages 18–29.

The Annals of Internal Medicine also reported that 20% of workers with back pain were told by health professionals that their back pain was work-related. The data also revealed that up to 10% of workers either quit work, switched jobs, or made major changes in their work due to back pain. Some of the reasons for work-related back pain include inadequate supervision on the job and general job dissatisfaction.

Unfortunately, back pain can impact your income. The Georgetown University Health Policy Institute reported that people who have difficulties at work due to back pain earn less than those who don’t. People who reported having limitations at work due to back pain have an average annual earnings of $18,480, while people who don’t have limitations due to back pain earn an average of $24,480 per year. 

Working directly with a supervisor and developing a back pain prevention strategy may help curb work-related back pain issues. 

Back pain and sleep statistics

Waking up from a poor night’s sleep with an achy back is all too common. According to Harris, this is usually due to your position rather than a health-related issue.

“These symptoms usually resolve with some simple stretches and a warm shower. However, if they persist, it may be of value to review your sleeping posture. Side sleeping in the foetal position tends to offload strain on the low back. Sleeping on your back with a pillow beneath the knees is often recommended to allow your lumbar spine to rest in its neutral position. On the other hand, prone sleeping with a soft mattress may lead to hyperlordosis [a condition where the lower spine curves too far inward] of the lumbar spine and contribute to early morning low back pain,” said Harris.

It’s also worth noting that your sleep can influence your back pain, and vice versa—poor sleeping conditions can lead to back pain, which can cause sleep disturbances. Research shows poor sleep quality is commonly observed in people with lower back pain. And people who don’t sleep well due to discomfort or insomnia are more likely to develop chronic pain. 

If you experience back pain, finding the best mattress for back pain may help manage your symptoms. Many mattresses today are designed to help relieve pressure and reduce pain, and some are specifically designed for people who experience back pain. Side sleeping may also help offset back pain, so finding the best mattress for side sleepers may help as well. 

Back pain treatment statistics 

Having back pain can be costly in several ways. Loss of work days, early retirement, and the cost of treatment all add up to millions of dollars in losses and expenses. Data show that approximately 30 million people in the United States are treated professionally for back pain annually. 

Nationally, the average yearly indirect and direct costs of back pain are $100–200 billion, while the costs per patient range from $9,231–$10,143. To treat chronic back pain, people may need to consider chiropractic treatment, physical therapy, or visiting their general physician, all of which can be costly. Surgery is also a potential treatment for people dealing with back pain, which is another high expense.

“However, surgery is usually reserved for patients with a structural spine problem, MRI evidence of nerve root compression, and leg or arm dominant symptoms (i.e., the leg pain is more severe than the back pain),” Harris said. “Even though the back pain can be very severe and incapacitating at times, it is usually brief and responds to conservative management such as short-term rest, graduated physiotherapy-guided exercises, oral pain killers, and topical treatments.”

The American Society of Anesthesiologists reported that some potential reasons to get back surgery may include herniated or ruptured discs, spinal stenosis, vertebral fractures as a result of injury or osteoporosis, and degenerative disk disease.

The Lancet Rheumatology reported the high cost of treating back pain is a major concern worldwide and that prescription medications are on the rise, particularly opioids. Because there’s a link between opioids and other negative health consequences, such as addiction and overdoses, there are secondary costs of back pain associated with treating the side effects of these drugs. 

Chiropractic care may effectively reduce back pain. One study that evaluated military personnel who complained of back pain compared two different types of care. One group received typical care that included medication, physical therapy, and self-care. The other half received the same typical care and also went to a chiropractor. The group that received chiropractic care noticed an overall decrease in the intensity of their pain, higher satisfaction with their treatment, and the need for less pain medication after six weeks. 

In general, adults with back pain spend more money on health care treatments than those who don’t have back pain. Data from the Health Policy Institute shows that 83% of people with back pain in the United States visited a general physician within the preceding year. People with back pain also see physical and occupational therapists, representing even more economic investment. 

Here’s a breakdown of the investments put toward back pain care in the United States, according to the Health Policy Institute at Georgetown University:

• $275 million is spent annually on hospital visits related to back pain.
• $203 million is spent on non-physician visits for back pain.
• $367 million is spent on prescription drugs for back pain. 

Bottom line

Back pain is a serious issue that affects millions of people and costs billions of dollars each year (roughly $100-200 billion for low back pain alone). The causes of back pain are wide and varied, and treatment options range from self-care techniques to surgery, depending on the severity of the back pain. 

Taking preventive measures, such as exercising, maintaining proper posture at work, not sitting for extended periods of time, and sleeping on the right mattress, are just a few ways to help reduce the likelihood of back pain. 

If you’re dealing with acute or chronic back pain, visit your physician. They can develop a treatment plan or refer you to a chiropractor or physical or occupational therapist to ensure proper recovery. 

https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/sleep/back-pain-statistics/