Back pain is one of the most common reasons people go to the doctor or miss work and a leading cause of disability worldwide. Most people have back pain at least once. Fortunately, you can take measures to prevent or relieve most back pain episodes. If prevention fails, simple home treatment and proper body mechanics often will heal your back within a few weeks and keep it functional for the long haul. Surgery is rarely needed to treat back pain.
Key Takeaways:
- More than 80 per cent of the population say their health is good or very good.
- Among people from affluent areas, the figure was almost 90 per cent, compared to 75 per cent of those in very disadvantaged areas.
- More than a fifth of the population reported smoking and more than half are either overweight or obese.
"Back pain was the most commonly reported chronic health condition in the first Irish Health Survey by the Central Statistics Office."
