"My back hurts, Doc." This is one of the most common complaints heard by family doctors. Approximately 25–60% of patients who experience low-back pain (LBP) will report recurrence of pain, many within as little as one year.¹ LBP is the most common cause of work disability in the US.² Many patients on disability for in excess of six months will not return to work, and that number decreases to near zero after two years.³ LBP is also the most expensive reason for work disability in the US.² It has been estimated that 2% of the work force in the US will be compensated for back injuries yearly.³
Patients with back or neck issues will often come to clinic twisted and hunched into the only position that brings them some pain relief—Not a pretty sight.
