According to the surveys conducted on Americans from the age of 18, by Gallup Healthways Well Being Index, it is observed that about one third of those in their mid-50s experience chronic back pain, and out of every five adults between the age of 40 and 80 develop back pain at some time during their life.

It has been revealed through the latest back pain relief Gallup poll that in 2011, 31% of Americans have experienced back and neck pain. The index also informed that 26% suffered from knee and leg pain, and 18% due to other causes for recurring pain. About 47% of Americans suffer from any one of the chronic causes of back pain while 7% have been found to acquire all three types of chronic pain.
 
Findings of the Index tells us that the chronic back pain generally stops aggravating from the age of 60 through to the 90s. It is observed that back pain gradually increases from the age of 18 up to 59 with 16% in the age group of 18 to 23 and 37% between 54 and 59 years. In cases of knee and leg pain, the statistics are 13% and 34% respectively, with 21% between 36 and 41 years. Americans reporting other reasons for pain number 9% between 18 and 23 years and 24% of those in their late 50s.

Back Pain Relief Gallup Poll

Proper care should be taken during the initial stages of back pain to avoid further complications.

Americans’ reports of chronic pain conditions increase most sharply from their mid-20s to late 50s. This is likely related to the repeated use of muscles, joints, and ligaments over time, as well as this age group’s increased likelihood of being overweight or obese. A key finding, however, is that beginning at about age 60, rates of self-reported chronic pain level off and do not increase further, even as Americans move into their 70s, 80s, and 90s.

 

The percentage of Americans reporting they have a neck or back condition climbs steadily between the ages of 18 and 59, rising from 16% among 18- to 23-year-olds to 37% among 54- to 59-year-olds and then plateaus at about 36% among people ages 60 and older.

 

The pattern for knee and leg conditions is similar. Thirteen percent of 18- to 23-year-olds report this type of pain. It rises rapidly to 21% among those aged 36 to 41 years, then to 34% among those aged 54 to 59, and slightly increases to 38% among 84- to 89-year-olds.

 

The pattern is somewhat different for the percentage of Americans who report “other chronic pain conditions.” The 9% of 18- to 23-year-olds who have other chronic pain conditions steadily increases to 24% among those in their late 50s, but then slowly declines to 18% among those ages 90 and older.

 

The rates would likely continue to compound into old age, except for the mortality rates associated with chronic pain conditions. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 47% of people with arthritis have one comorbid condition such as heart disease, chronic respiratory conditions, diabetes, or stroke. It is possible that those who survive into their 70s and 80s are typically less likely to have such chronic pain conditions.

 

Chronic pain afflicts a relatively small percentage of Americans in their late teens and early 20s, but increases sharply as adults enter middle age. By the time Americans are in their late 50s and older, more than one-third report chronic pain in their neck or back, with a similar percentage reporting such pain in their knee or leg. In addition, nearly one-quarter of Americans in their late 50s have other conditions that cause recurring pain. Self-reports of pain, however, appear to reach a threshold of sorts at about age 60 and do not increase significantly after that point.

 

Low-income and overweight Americans are significantly more likely to suffer from chronic pain conditions. Although age is a non-modifiable risk factor for chronic pain conditions, obesity is a risk factor that Americans can prevent through proper eating and exercise. It is possible that chronic pain conditions may directly cause sedentariness, which can lead to obesity and other chronic conditions. Therefore, Americans of all ages can use nutrition and exercise as ways to prevent or manage chronic pain conditions.

 

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It is evident from the surveys of the back pain relief Gallup poll that with gradual ageing, Americans become more prone to back pain; however, after 55 to 60 years of age, the pain doesn’t increase significantly. Proper care should be taken during the initial stages of back pain to avoid further complications.

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Back pain is one of the most common reasons to see a doctor. In the following video doctors at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston offer these tips on how to lessen back pain while doing everyday chores.

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