Back pain isn’t just a debilitating condition. It may be a flag for other major health issues. New research shows the incidence of conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, diabetes and cancer is higher in people with back pain than in those without back pain.

Chronic back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide, and a major burden on healthcare systems and economies. It keeps millions of people from work and, for many, the simple act of sitting, standing or sleeping is a daily struggle.

A recent study found that a range of diseases was more prevalent in people with chronic back pain than in those without chronic back pain. The study used data from a National Health Survey in Brazil, which covered nearly 90,000 people. Approximately one in five people reported chronic back pain, a finding similar to higher-income countries.

Cardiovascular disease, arthritis and depression were the three most prevalent comorbidities in people with chronic back pain. Diabetes, cancer, asthma and other lung diseases were also higher in this population than those without back pain. Those with back pain were 17 per cent more likely to report cardiovascular disease, 15 per cent more likely to report arthritis, and 12 per cent more likely to have clinical depression than those without back pain.

Patients with chronic back pain who also have comorbidities are more likely to report severe activity limitations, particularly those who have arthritis, depression and cardiovascular disease, the research found. The research suggests the need to develop comprehensive care pathways and interdisciplinary approaches to manage these patients effectively.

Chiropractic care is a recommended, proven, hands-on, opioid-free, care pathway for chronic back pain.

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com