The Epidemic Proportions of Back Pain

When compared, spinal patient costs were significantly higher than patients with other medical issues. "People with back problems cost 76% more on average than people without back problems each year," said study coauthor Brook Martin, a research scientist at The University of Washington. In a research study by Binod Prasad Shaw, MD, of Albert Einstein Medical College, and Michael K. Schaufele, MD, of Emory University, they stated, "In recognition of the extreme burden and impact that musculoskeletal disorders have on society, the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO) have designated 2000-2010 as the "Bone and Joint Decade." They go on to report that 10 million Americans are currently disabled due to back pain.