Back pain - How common is it?

Back pain is very common.

Between 70 percent and 85 percent of us get back pain at some time in our lives.
Almost half of all adults in Britain get back pain that lasts at least a day each year.[1]
Every year about 5 million people see their GP because of back pain.[1]
Back pain is most common between the ages of 35 and 55.[2]

References

Palmer KT, Walsh K, Bendall H, et al. Back pain in Britain: comparison of two prevalence surveys at an interval of 10 years. BMJ. 2000; 320: 1577-1578.
Andersson GBJ. Epidemiology of spinal disorders. In: Frymoyer JW (editor). Adult spine: principles and practice. 2nd edition. Lippincott-Raven, Philadelphia, PA, USA. 1997; 93-141.

This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.