Back Pain can Lead to Mental Health Issues

New figures released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reveals that people with back pain have a higher risk of suffering from psychological distress and mental disorders including depression. According to the report, more than 1.8 million Australians complained of back pain in 2007-08. The report went on to add that they were 2.5 times more likely to develop psychological problems such as depression, 1.8 times more likely to report anxiety and 1.3 times more likely to indulge in substance abuse compared to those without any back problems.

The report also added that nearly one-third of those with back problems reported severe or profound activity limitations, such as dressing or going to the toilet.

“Out of the 44 per cent of people with back problems who also reported activity limitations, about two-thirds reported mild to moderate core limitations, about one-third reported severe or profound activity limitations”, AIHW spokeswomen Louise York said.



Source-Medindia