If you suffer from back pain, you may be interested to know how it has been linked to an earlier death rate
Studying back problems
A new study from Boston Medical Center studied 8,000 people with back problems between 40 and 80 years old for an average of 14 years. They started by taking baseline measurements to determine how bad the participants pain was, then followed up every other year.
The participants were either observed doing everyday activities or asked about them, and some had such severe pain that it was hard for them to prepare meals, walk or engage in any repetitive movements.
More than half the participants died during the follow-up period. Nearly 65% of those who experienced frequent persistent pain had died, but only 54% of those without pain had died.
How back problems affect death rates
So, what’s the link?
“Back [problems] may directly impair daily activities, but older adults could inappropriately avoid them due to fear of re-injury or worsening of symptoms,” explains Eric Roseen, the lead author of the study. “Being unable to perform, or avoiding, daily activities could lead to weight gain, development or progression of other chronic health conditions, and ultimately earlier death.”
The researchers believe that, in light of their findings, optimizing physical health to help older adults live longer should be a public health priority.
“Our findings raise the question of whether better management of pain across the lifespan could prevent disability, improve quality of life and ultimately extend life,” says Roseen.
Back pain around the globe
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, approximately 80% of adults deal with back problems at some point. It’s one of the main causes of missed work days and disability. The risk factors for back problems range from weight gain and obesity to posture, age and a sedentary lifestyle.
