Back pain in adults : triage

Back pain stands as a predominant cause for consultations within both primary care and emergency care settings, representing a substantial economic burden with an estimated annual expenditure of $200 billion dedicated to its management in the United States alone. This condition significantly impacts work hours, productivity, and workers' compensation claims, highlighting its importance in occupational health. In Singapore, acute low back pain (LBP) is estimated to affect up to 80% of the adult population at some point in their lives, causing considerable anxiety and debilitation, particularly among adults aged between 30 and 40 years. Globally, the prevalence of LBP is staggering, with 619 million individuals affected in 2020; projections suggest an increase to 843 million by 2050, largely due to population growth and ageing. LBP is the leading cause of disability worldwide, underscoring the vast number of individuals who could benefit from rehabilitation services.

The incidence of LBP spans across various age groups, although its prevalence notably increases with age, peaking between 50 and 55 years. Women are more frequently afflicted with LBP compared to men. The majority of LBP cases are classified as non-specific, accounting for about 90% of instances, where no definitive cause or underlying structural issues...