Musculoskeletal disorders, particularly lower back pain, are responsible for a significant number of sick leaves and disabilities among the working-age population. Recent data from Randstad Research, based on the National Institute of Statistics (INE)'s Quarterly Labor Cost Survey, indicates that absenteeism in Spain remains at historic highs, with a 7% rate of agreed-upon hours lost during the first and second quarters of the last year.
“"Back pain is a true 'silent epidemic' in consultations and companies because it limits functionality, reduces performance, and, when it becomes chronic, completely conditions the patient's work and personal life."
Globally, lower back pain is the leading cause of years lived with disability, affecting over 450 million people of working age, with an increase of more than 50% since 1990, according to hospital data. Among the most frequent spinal pathologies associated with lower back pain and functional limitation are lumbar disc herniations, lumbar canal stenosis, lumbar disc degeneration, and vertebral instability and spondylosis.
Dr. De la Torre explained that these processes can be linked to aging, physically demanding jobs, mechanical overload, repeated trauma, or sedentary lifestyles. Scientific evidence suggests that a significant portion of these issues can be prevented or significantly improved through early diagnosis, appropriate pain management, and, when indicated, advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Prevention and early diagnosis are crucial, especially considering the economic impact of absenteeism associated with temporary incapacities. The loss of productivity in Spain due to these incapacities is estimated at around 5.4% of the GDP. International projections indicate that between 70% and 80% of the population will experience back pain at some point in their lives, and a significant proportion will develop recurrent or chronic conditions.
