Back pain is a recurring problem and, among the elderly population in Brazil, it has become a significant public health concern. Studies consistently show that low back pain is one of the main causes of disability in the world, affecting mobility, quality of life and the ability to perform daily activities.
With the changing demographic profile of Brazil, where a growing portion of the population is over 50 years old, the impact of the disease is expected to increase, especially among those who have a .
Research highlights the strong correlation between aging and the prevalence of chronic musculoskeletal conditions. According to studies, musculoskeletal disorders, including back pain, disproportionately affect the elderly.
In Brazil, data from the Ministry of Health from 2023 revealed that almost 37% of Brazilians over the age of 50 suffer from , with back pain being one of the most frequent complaints. This trend reflects global patterns identified by the World Health Organization (WHO), where low back pain is one of the main causes of disability-adjusted life years among the elderly.
A sedentary lifestyle has a direct relationship with back pain
One of the main factors contributing to this phenomenon is sedentary behavior. Many older adults in Brazil face barriers to maintaining an active lifestyle, such as limited access to public spaces for exercise, insufficient education about preventive practices, and the natural decline in physical activity associated with aging.
Sedentary habits weaken the muscles that support the spine, leading to poor posture and greater susceptibility to pain. This sedentary lifestyle is aggravated by other factors, such as obesity, which further burdens the spine and intensifies chronic discomfort.
The economic and social impacts of back pain among the elderly cannot be ignored. Chronic back pain is associated with reduced productivity, increased healthcare costs, and decreased quality of life, as highlighted in a recent Journal of Pain article.
For the Brazilian healthcare system, which already faces significant disparities in access to services, the growing burden of back pain represents a serious challenge. Elderly people in lower income brackets often do not have timely access to interventions such as physical therapy or preventive care, which are crucial for managing and mitigating chronic pain.
Prevention is essential
Despite these challenges, there is hope in prevention and early intervention. Promoting activities such as walking, stretching exercises, and low-impact strength training can significantly reduce your risk of back pain and improve overall health.
Encouraging good posture, maintaining a healthy weight and ensuring adequate ergonomic support in daily activities are simple but effective strategies for preventing back pain. Health policies that prioritize education and access to physical therapy and community exercise programs can play a transformative role in reducing the impact of back pain in Brazil’s elderly population.
As Brazil continues to age, addressing back pain and the factors that contribute to it must become a priority in public health strategies. Promoting healthy habits and encouraging a culture of movement among older people is not only a way to reduce back pain, but also a vital step towards improving population health and ensuring that aging is accompanied by dignity, mobility and independence.
