What Is Chronic Low Back Pain?

You Are Not Alone — The Numbers

Worldwide

According to the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD 2021):

• Approximately 619 million people worldwide have low back pain
• That number is projected to reach 843 million by 2050
• Low back pain is the leading cause of disability globally — affecting more people's daily lives than heart disease or diabetes

In the United States

• Low back pain is the most common reason for missed work and doctor visits
• About 8% of adults have persistent (chronic) back pain at any given time
• Prevalence increases with age and is slightly higher in women
• An estimated 80% of adults will experience significant low back pain at some point in their lives

Roughly 1 in 10 people around you is dealing with chronic low back pain right now.