What Is Back Pain Really Costing Us?
Newsweek has reported that a new study shows that Americans are spending “record amounts” on treatments for back pain. But even with spending all of this money, trying so many different treatments, is it worth it and most importantly, is it even working?
One gentleman told Newsweek that after seven back operations, he still spends hundreds of dollars a month on pain relievers and other medications. He tells Newsweek his recommendation to back pain sufferers:
“I’d tell young people with back problems that they should try the nonsurgical avenues first.” When doctors recommend an operation, we’re all too quick to agree. As a society, we all want instant gratification or instant relief.”
What I find especially sad is that even with all of the modern technology, therapies, drugs, chiropractic treatments available, people are still not finding relief for their back pain - myself included. According to the article:
In 2005 Americans spent $85.9 billion looking for relief from back and neck pain through surgery, doctor’s visits, X-rays, MRI scans and medications, up from $52.1 billion in 1997, according to a study in the Feb. 13 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). That money hasn’t helped reduce the number of sufferers; in 2005, 15 percent of U.S. adults reported back problems—up from 12 percent in 1997.
You can click on the link below to read the rest of this great article:
Source: Newsweek, The Price of Back Pain
Sandy Robinson also is the blogger for her own website, Fighting Fatigue and the Fighting Fatigue Forum. On the WebbleYou Network, Sandy is co-blogger for the American Idolist blog.
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