title: The prevalence and management of low back pain across adulthood: results from a population-based cross-sectional study (the MUSICIAN study).
abstract: The aim of the current study was to determine: the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and associated disability; the frequency of consultation to general practice; whether there were differences in management by age. We conducted a cross-sectional population study in Aberdeen city and Cheshire County, UK. Participants were 15,272 persons aged 25 years and older. The 1-month period prevalence of LBP was 28.5%. It peaked at age 41-50 years, but at ages over 80 years was reported by 1 in 4 persons. Older persons were more likely to consult, and the prevalence of severe LBP continued to increase with age. Management by general practitioners differed by age of the patient. Older persons (> 70 vs ≤ 40 years) were more likely to only have been prescribed painkillers (odds ratio [OR] 1.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28-2.35) or only pain killers with other medications (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.07-1.98). They were less likely to be prescribed physiotherapy or exercise (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.46-0.85) or to be referred to a specialist (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.57-1.04). Older persons were more likely to have previously received exercise therapy for pain, were less likely to be enthusiastic about receiving it now (P<0.0001), and were less likely to think it would result in improved symptoms (P<0.0001). It is important that older persons, who have the highest prevalence of LBP with disability and are most likely to consult, are receiving optimal pharmacological and nonpharmacological management.
authors: Epidemiology Group, Aberdeen Pain Research Collaboration, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK Medical Statistics, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK Rheumatic Disease Epidemiology, Arthritis Research UK Epidemiology Unit, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
authors: Gary J
authors: GJ
authors: Macfarlane
authors: Marcus
authors: M
authors: Beasley
authors: Elizabeth A
authors: EA
authors: Jones
authors: Gordon J
authors: GJ
authors: Prescott
authors: Rachael
authors: R
authors: Docking
authors: Philip
authors: P
authors: Keeley
authors: John
authors: J
authors: McBeth
authors: Gareth T
authors: GT
authors: Jones
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012648:Self Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics