Care-seeking among individuals with chronic low back pain.
| Title | Care-seeking among individuals with chronic low back pain. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 1995 |
| Authors | Carey, TS, Evans, A, Hadler, N, Kalsbeek, W, McLaughlin, C, Fryer, J |
| Journal | Spine |
| Volume | 20 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pagination | 312-7 |
| Date Published | 1995 Feb 1 |
| ISSN | 0362-2436 |
| Keywords | Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Chronic Disease, Cross-Sectional Studies, Direct Service Costs, Female, Humans, Interviews as Topic, Low Back Pain, Male, Middle Aged, North Carolina, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Prevalence, Retrospective Studies |
| Abstract | STUDY DESIGN: This was a stratified, random telephone survey of adults in North Carolina. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of chronic low back pain and the extent to which treatment is sought for this condition. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Chronic low back pain is a major problem. Previous studies often have combined acute and chronic back pain. METHODS: Telephone interviews regarding back pain were conducted with 4437 North Carolina adults during 1992. RESULTS: Chronic back pain affects 3.9% of the North Carolina population. Thirty-four percent considered themselves permanently disabled and 52% assessed their overall health as fair or poor. The median number of bed-disability days per year was three. Seventy-three percent saw a health care provider. Of those who sought care, 91% saw a medical doctor, 29% saw a physical therapist, and 25% saw a chiropractor. Use of technology was extensive: 37% received a computed tomography scan, 25% received a magnetic resonance imaging scan, and 10.4% underwent surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic back pain is common, and the level of care-seeking and costs of care among those afflicted are extremely high. |
| Alternate Journal | Spine |
| PubMed ID | 7732467 |