Almost every third person suffers from back pain
Around 1.28 million people in Rhineland-Palatinate were plagued by back pain in 2021, according to an analysis by a health insurance company. At 31.2 percent, this corresponds roughly to the national average (31.4), according to the "AOK Health Atlas Back Pain" published by health insurer AOK on Tuesday. "This makes back pain one of the most common health problems in Germany," said Martina Niemeyer, Chairwoman of the Board of AOK Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland.
People in the Vulkaneifel district were the most likely to have received medical treatment for back pain (37.8 percent). The proportion was lowest in Mainz (22.8 percent).
The complaints also increase with age: according to the AOK, almost every second woman aged 65 and over is affected by back pain. Niemeyer emphasized that risk factors for complaints should therefore be identified as early as possible. These include depression, stress at work and lack of exercise.
The AOK based its analysis on its own data and data from the Federal Statistical Office.
Regular physical activity helps to prevent back pain. Exercise therapy in particular has a positive effect on reducing back pain. The insurance company also recommends that working people with back pain design their workplace ergonomically to avoid poor posture.
Despite being a common health issue, with nearly every second woman aged 65 and above suffering from back pain, implementing measures to identify risk factors such as depression, work-related stress, and lack of exercise can help mitigate the prevalence of back pain and related diseases. Regular exercise, including exercise therapy, and designing workplaces ergonomically can significantly reduce the occurrence and exacerbation of back pain due to poor posture.
Source: www.dpa.com
