How common is chronic back pain
What is the prevalence of chronic back pain?
The prevalence ranges from 20% to 40% of the general population.
An Internet-based survey study revealed that 30% of the general population has back pain lasting longer than 3 months, and about 50% of this population has chronic daily back pain.
Sources
Chou R, Qaseem A, Snow V, et al.: Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain: a joint clinical practice guidelines from the American College of Physicians and American Pain Society. Ann Intern Med 147(7):478-491, 2007.
Johannes CB, Le TK, Johnson JA, et al.: The prevalence of chronic pain in United States adults: results of an internet-based survey. J Pain 11(11):1230-1239, 2010.