Spinal Decompression

Money Doesn't Help Back Pain Go Away

Back and neck pain problems cost $86 billion a year, which is almost as costly as treating cancer, and while back pain costs rise the pain persists. Scientists from the University of Washington say costs are driven by more being spent on prescription drugs, better diagnostic tests and more outpatient visits, as well as greater patient demand for treatment and increased use of spinal fusion surgery. However, they also say people with back problems end up actually feeling worse.

In the study, researchers analyzed data from 1997 to 2005 from a nationally representative survey of patient health costs and and health status. They found that people with back and neck problems on average spent $4,700 in 1997 on health costs, compared with the average $2,700 spent for people without back problems. These figures rose in 2005 to over $6,000, compared to only 3,500 for people without spine problems. Additionally, the number of spine patients reporting physical, social, and work limitations, rose from 20 percent in 1997 to nearly 25 percent in 2005.

The researchers support several recent studies that have shown some patients who decide against surgery for back pain do as well as those who have surgery. The study reflects the increasing need for alternative spine treatments with proven benefits. One alternative, spinal decompression, is gaining recognition for addressing the cause of spine pain; by slowly pulling pressure away from a compressed herniated disc. Acupuncture has also been found to provide back pain sufferers with pain relief and increased mobility.

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