Back and Neck Pain - Are Treatments Failing?

Back and neck pain is among the most commonly treated conditions. According to a report in the February 13, 2008 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, "In a 2002 survey of US adults, 26% reported low back pain and 14% reported neck pain in the previous 3 months. Low back pain alone accounted for approximately 2% of all physician office visits; only routine examinations, hypertension, and diabetes resulted in more office visits. Rates of imaging, injections, opiate use, and surgery for spine problems have increased substantially over the past decade."

The cost of treating back pain has risen significantly. The overall cost of treating back pain has gone up 65% from 1997 to 2005 to nearly $86 billion nationally. During that time frame, spending on narcotic pain medications alone rose 423%. Rates of spine imaging, spinal injections, and spine surgery have increased too. From 1990 to 2001, the number of lumbar fusions performed tripled. According to researchers from the University of Washington, who analyzed a federal survey of more than 23,000 people, the increased spending has not resulted in much benefit for back and neck pain patients.

The study suggests there may be treatments which are overused and the benefit is not being realized. Not everyone is happy with the conclusion drawn in this report. One neurosurgeon quoted on Forbes.com questioned the methods used in the study, calling it "atrocious" -- and he fears that news of this report will steer people away from back and neck pain treatments or surgery -- including those who could be helped.

Related Resources:

• Guide to Lower Back Pain
• Fast Facts About Facet Arthropathy
• Neck Osteoarthritis: What You Need to Know
• Spine Osteoarthritis: What You Need to Know
• Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Back Pain?

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