Research Calls 840 Million People Threatened With Back Pain In 2050

Spinal illustration. (Unsplash/Toa Heftiba)

JAKARTA - More than 840 million people are threatened with back pain by 2050, mostly due to population increase and aging, according to a study.

Researchers have warned that the number of those suffering from these medical conditions will skyrocket and could cause a health care crisis, as lower back pain is the main cause of defects in the world.

Australia will experience an increase in cases of nearly 50 percent by 2050, while the biggest increase in back pain cases will occur in Asia and Africa, according to a study published in 'Jurnal Lancet Rheumatology'.

"Our analysis illustrates an increasing picture of cases of lower back pain globally, putting great pressure on our healthcare system," said lead author Manuela Ferreira of Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, as reported by The National News on June 10.

"We need to establish a consistent national approach to managing the lower back pain informed by research," he continued.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ferreira, based at Sydney's Kolling Institute, added: "Currently, the way we respond to back pain is reactive."

"Australia is a global leader in back pain research. We can be proactive and lead by setting an example in preventing back pain," he explained.

This study revealed several milestones in the case of back pain. Since 2017, the number of cases of back pain has reached more than half a billion people, increasing to 619 million by 2020.

The study analyzed data from 1990 to 2020 in more than 204 countries and territories, to map out the landscape of back pain cases over time.

Lower back pain occurs more frequently in parents and attacks women more often, the researchers said.

At least one-third of the burden of defects related to back pain is caused by work factors, smoking, and being overweight.

The recommended general care for lower back pain turns out to have unknown or ineffective effectiveness, including some operations and opioids.

Dr. Ferreira said, there is an inconsistency in how health professionals manage cases of back pain, adding that the health care system needs to adapt.

"It may come as a surprise to some, current clinical guidelines for back pain care and management do not provide specific recommendations for parents," he said.

"A older person has a more complex medical history and is more likely to be prescribed with strong drugs, including opioids for back pain management, compared to younger adults," said Dr. Ferreira.

"But this is not ideal and can have a negative impact on their functions and quality of life, especially because this analgesic can interfere with other existing treatments," he continued.

"This is just one example why we need to update clinical guidelines to support our health professionals," said Dr. Ferreira.

Meanwhile, co-author Katie de Luca, of CQUniversity said, if appropriate action is not taken, lower back pain can be a precursor to chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease to mental health conditions, could require invasive medical procedures and cause significant defects.

"Underback dy continues to be the biggest cause of the burden of defects around the world," he said

"There are substantial socio-economic consequences of this condition, and the physical and personal impacts directly threaten healthy aging," he said.