Low back pain in aging populations: A global analysis of disability and healthcare burden over three decades

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) has emerged as a critical public health concern whose associated disability burden and healthcare expenditures have been persistently escalating among aging populations worldwide.ObjectiveThis global study analyzed the disability burden of LBP among the older population for over three decades and identified interventions specifically targeting older adults.MethodsRepeated cross-sectional data on LBP among individuals aged ≥65 years from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 were extracted and compared to age-standardized rates of LBP incidence and disability adjusted life years (DALYs) across various demographic and geographic categories.ResultsCountries with a high sociodemographic index (SDI), advanced health systems, and high incomes, including North America and the Latin America and Caribbean region, exhibited the highest incidence rates and DALYs of LBP. Occupational ergonomics is still the primary factor for LBP in countries with low SDI, and minimal health level countries. Body mass index (BMI) was substantially increased in all global subgroups, especially in countries with low-middle SDI, limited health systems, world bank low-income level groups.ConclusionAdvanced economic development and healthcare showed a non-linear correlation with LBP. High BMI is projected to become a predominant modifiable risk factor for LBP progression, highlighting the urgent need for the implementation of lifestyle strategies.