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Prevalence of back symptoms in elders
1Boston University Arthritis Center, Massachusetts, USA.
The Journal of Rheumatology
|January 27, 2000
Summary
Back symptoms are common in US elders, affecting about 22% of individuals. Prevalence is higher in women and those examined at home, but does not increase with age.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Epidemiology
- Musculoskeletal Health
Background:
- Back pain prevalence in US elderly populations is not well-documented.
- Understanding symptom distribution by demographics and location is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of back symptoms in a US elderly cohort.
- To analyze prevalence based on age, sex, examination site, and pain location.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 1037 elderly participants (aged 68-100) from the Framingham Heart Study.
- Employed questionnaires to assess back pain symptoms, timing, and location during the 22nd examination (1992-93).
Main Results:
- Overall back symptom prevalence was 22.3% on most days, with low back pain being most common.
- Prevalence was higher in women than men, particularly for mid/upper back pain.
- Symptoms were more frequent in those examined at home versus the clinic; age did not significantly impact prevalence.
Conclusions:
- Back symptoms are highly prevalent in the elderly, not increasing with age.
- Women experience back symptoms more frequently than men.
- Elderly individuals with limited mobility, often examined at home, show a particularly high prevalence of back symptoms.