Chronic back pain kills women earlier than men

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Chronic back pain increases the risk of premature death in women more than men, according to a 14-year Boston Institute study. The study examined the impact of back pain on 8,000 women aged 40 to 80 years and is the first to monitor mortality rates of people with back pain. The researchers measured the incidence of back pain in participants and also monitored the impact of pain on daily activities.
The scientists noted that the pains hindered the performance of tasks such as walking, meal preparation and repetitive movements, and resulted in disabilities. The results also showed a strong badociation between chronic back pain and premature death among women.
It was found that during the study period, about 50% of participants died, while 65% of those who died had chronic back pain.
Based on these findings, the researchers found an badysis of the future and estimated that the high incidence of chronic back pain had doubled during the study period, resulting in more disabilities, an inability to perform daily work, an increase in overweight and obesity, as well as the development of chronic diseases. Others, such as heart, Alzheimer's disease and ultimately, premature death.