Approximately 50% - 80% of people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. It is the second leading reason for a visit to the doctor behind only an upper respiratory infection. Nearly 2% - 5% will be affected this year. It is the most common cause of disability in persons younger than 45 years of age and the fiscal expenditure for care and disability for this disorder is nearly $100 billion annually.

Fortunately, 90% of persons with back pain will resolve their symptoms within the course of one month. Therefore any type of diagnostic testing such as X-rays or MRI’s is usually unnecessary. However, certain warning signs exist that indicate a process other than a benign back ache may be present. These include unintentional weight loss, fever, history of cancer, night pain, leg pain or weakness, and bowel or bladder changes. If these are present then an immediate evaluation is warranted.