KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The most common reason people over 30 go to the doctor is because of acute low back pain.
On average, 20% of people in this age group complain they have back pain each month. The lifetime prevalence of low back pain is estimated to be at least 60% to 70%.
But there is good news.
While many cases of back pain are quite serious, most people with low back pain don't have serious problems like disk herniation or structural problems. For most, the pain is from a strain or a slight muscle pull, and most cases improve in six weeks.
