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The back is one of the most
important structural parts of the human body, allowing us to stand upright
and balance on two legs. But it is also subject to many traumatic forces
that can, either suddenly or over time, cause what most people simply call
“back problems.” Sometimes the problem results in minor aches and pains,
sometimes in severe but intermittent pain, and sometimes chronic or permanent
disability.
The types of problems are
numerous and their impact on your life can be significant. In fact, back
problems are so common that approximately 20 million people in the United
States experience back problems each year and, by the age of 65, more than
80% of all Americans experience a back injury of sufficient severity to
affect their lives and work.
The cost of these problems
in terms of medical care and lost productivity is estimated at more than
$80 billion each year. Different structures of the back are subject to
different problems and different regions of the back are more likely to
suffer certain types of injury.
Select from the topics
below to get more information on the spine.
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