• How to prevent/treat back & neck pain
• How to “listen” to your body
• Which specialists should you see and how to tell the difference
• What questions to ask your doctor
• When is medication appropriate
• Should you see a chiropractor
• When is surgery a good idea
“Neck and back pain pose a devastating cost to our society,” said Fortanasce. “In addition to the physical toll it takes on those who suffer from such pain, it’s the 3rd most expensive health-related cost right after heart disease and cancer. It’s also estimated to cost our economy $40 billion each year.”
Among other related statistics about neck & back pain:
• #1 most common cause for ER visits
• 3rd most common elective surgery
• 95% of the population will have at least 1 serious episode in their lives
• 60 million will be diagnosed this year alone
• Pain typically starts in one’s 30s, most prevalent in those over 50
• Those leading sedentary lifestyles or sit in same position are most vulnerable
• 92% family docs prescribe pain meds
• 94% chiropractors recommend manual therapy
• 27% surgeons advise surgery
• Addiction to prescription meds is often linked to back/neck pain
“End Back and Neck Pain” ($19.95) is co-authored by noted spine surgeon Robert Watkins, M.D. and David Gutkind, DPT. The book is available at www.HumanKinetics.com or by calling (800) 747-4457.
