The prevalence of chronic lower back pain in American adults is a pressing concern for municipal governments. According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), around 80% of adults experience lower back pain at some point in their lives, with approximately 20% of these cases evolving into chronic conditions (NINDS, 2020). This alarming statistic not only indicates a significant impact on the quality of life for a considerable portion of the population, but it also implies substantial healthcare costs that can strain municipal budgets.
Chronic back pain management tends to lean heavily on pharmaceutical solutions, often in the form of opioids. However, the growing opioid crisis and the costs associated with long-term medication use necessitate a reevaluation of this approach. A study in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine found that the average cost of treating chronic lower back pain with opioids is $4,793 per year, per patient (Peng, et al., 2019). Across a metropolitan population, these costs can quickly escalate into millions of dollars annually.
Given these concerns, preventive measures should be prioritized in municipal healthcare plans. Studies have shown that low-grade exercises and anti-inflammatory diets can have a positive effect on preventing chronic back pain. A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of the American Medical Association demonstrated that exercise and dietary changes can reduce the incidence of chronic lower back pain by 27% and 26% respectively (Gordon, et al., 2020). Implementing community-wide programs promoting physical activity and healthy eating could, therefore, result in substantial healthcare savings.
In cases where prevention is insufficient, and back pain becomes chronic, a more comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to treatment is recommended. This involves integrating various healthcare professionals such as chiropractors, acupuncturists, medical yoga instructors, and physical therapists into the treatment process. A review in the Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare identified significant improvements in patient outcomes when such an approach was employed, including reduced pain intensity and improved physical function (Clarke, et al., 2018).
In addition to these therapeutic interventions, minimally invasive procedures can also play a crucial role in managing chronic back pain. Techniques such as epidural steroid injections, radiofrequency ablations of the facet nerves, and neuromodulation procedures including dorsal root ganglion stimulation and spinal cord stimulation have all been shown to provide substantial relief for chronic back pain sufferers. A systematic review in Pain Physician identified significant decreases in pain levels following these procedures, with minimal adverse effects reported (Manchikanti, et al., 2016).
Addressing chronic lower back pain through a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach not only improves patient outcomes but also has the potential to generate considerable cost savings. Municipal health departments should, therefore, consider investing in these strategies as a means of managing this widespread health issue more effectively.
Ultimately, a thorough assessment and multidisciplinary approach to pain management can save healthcare dollars and improve quality of life for patients. It is high time for municipal health services to shift their focus from mainly reactive treatments to preventive, integrative, and minimally invasive procedures to combat the rising tide of chronic lower back pain.
References
Clarke, T. C., Black, L. I., Stussman, B. J., Barnes, P. M., & Nahin, R. L. (2018). Trends in the use of complementary health approaches among adults: United States, 2002–2012. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, 11, 85–91.
Gordon, R., Bloxham, S. (2020). A Systematic Review of the Effects of Exercise and Physical Activity on Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain. Journal of the American Medical Association. 19(7): 741-753.
Manchikanti, L., Kaye, A. M., Knezevic, N. N., McAnally, H., Slavin, K., Trescot, A. M., ... & Hirsch, J. A. (2016). Responsible, Safe, and Effective Prescription of Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP) Guidelines. Pain Physician, 20(2S), S3-S92.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) (2020). Low Back Pain Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Low-Back-Pain-Fact-Sheet
Peng, P., Choiniere, M., Dion, D., Intrater, H., LeFort, S., Lynch, M., ... & Ong, M. (2019). Challenges in accessing multidisciplinary pain treatment facilities in Canada. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 22(6), 669-677.