More than 800 million people may suffer from back pain in 2050

A physical trauma, which is also a degradation of mental health, a man’s physioactivity, and an increase in sedentariness, which causes more pain, ailing or chronologically related to the condition, such that there is less damage or a simpler effect. Back pain.

according to The Supreme Authority for HealthLow back pain is “defined as pain located between the thoracolumbar joint and the lower gluteal fold,” and, as we have seen, can be caused by multiple factors. A team of international researchers, including scientists from the University of Sydney, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington School of Medicine, and the Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health (G-MUSC), examined the number. of the incidence of low back pain worldwide, with a global outlook for the first time, analyzing at least three decades of data.

224 million additional cases in 30 years

Published in the journal Rheumatology, The LancetTheir work highlights a sharp increase in back pain cases since 2017, passing half a billion to reach 619 million cases in 2020. But that’s not all, as these numbers could continue to increase exponentially by 2050 to reach 843 million people worldwide. The projection was made possible by the analysis of data from more than 200 countries and territories between 1990 and 2020. The increase in the population, as well as its aging, will be one of the main reasons to explain this jump in the incidence of low back pain in the world.

“Our analysis paints a picture of the increasing incidence of low back pain worldwide, which is putting tremendous strain on our healthcare system. We need to create a consistent national approach to managing low back pain, based on research,” confirms Professor Manuela Ferreira, lead author of the study. , In a press release. Looking at the different regions of the world, the number of cases is expected to increase by nearly 50% in Australia by 2050, while the largest increases will be seen in Asia and Africa. However, these projections should be taken with caution due to the lack of data for some countries. “We know that most of the available data comes from high-income countries, which sometimes makes it difficult to interpret these results for low- and middle-income countries. We urgently need more data on back pain and the musculoskeletal system in [ces] country,” the researchers warned.

More common in the elderly

Among other findings of the study, the researchers suggest that occupational factors, smoking and being overweight are responsible for “at least a third of the disability associated with back pain.” Moreover, this new international survey puts to rest a “misconception” that adults of working age are most likely to suffer from back pain. “The researchers say that this study confirmed that lower back pain is more common in the elderly.” Women will also be affected more than men.

“Ministries of health cannot continue to ignore the widespread prevalence of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, including low back pain. These conditions have significant social and economic consequences, particularly when considering the cost of care. Now is the time to learn about effective strategies to deal with this Heavy burden and work,” said Dr. Alarcos Siza, Unit Chief at the World Health Organization (WHO), at headquarters in Geneva, in a press release.” The co-authors conclude: “Low back pain remains the leading cause of disability worldwide. The social and economic consequences of this condition are far-reaching, and the physical and interpersonal impact directly threaten healthy aging.” There are many factors that must be considered to improve prevention and define new treatment strategies.