Low back pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder that can significantly affect individuals, business, and society. Identifying behavior-related factors that contribute to low back pain may help in the prevention and reduction of this potentially disabling condition. Based on data from the 2009-2012 National Health Interview Survey, investigators found links between self-reported lower back pain and leisure-time physical inactivity, current or former smoking, current or former alcohol drinking, short sleep duration, and obesity. The authors recommend that public health policy makers and clinicians consider addressing these factors to reduce the burden of low back pain on a societal basis.
Spine, April 2016