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Back Pain Common, But Not Always Severe

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By KYW Medical Editor Dr. Brian McDonough

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Most agree that it is the most common reason patients over 30 visit their doctor: acute low back pain.

Each day, almost 6% of people suffer from back pain, and, on average, 20% of people in this age group complain they have back pain each month. The lifetime prevalence of low back pain is estimated to be at least 60% to 70%.

Many people with back pain also have what is known as sciatica. That is pain that radiates down the back of the leg beyond the knee.

That is the bad news, but there is good news. Most people with low back pain don't have serious problems like disc herniation or structural problems. For most, the pain is from a strain or a slight muscle pull.

Most cases improve in six weeks. For those with chronic pain, it can be a lifetime battle.

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