Back Pain on the Rise in Schleswig-Holstein
More than a quarter of the population in Schleswig-Holstein sought medical treatment for back pain in 2021, according to a recent report by the AOK Health Atlas Back Pain. A staggering 28.9% of the people in the region received treatment, making it one of the highest incidence rates in Germany.
The data reveals some interesting patterns. For instance, the city of Kiel reported a lower prevalence rate of 25.5%, while Dithmarschen district registered a much higher figure of 33.6%. These figures demonstrate the geographical variation in back pain incidence, emphasizing the need for targeted preventive measures.
Tom Ackermann, CEO of AOK Nordwest, cautioned that back pain imposes significant financial burdens on the economy. He urged individuals to incorporate regular physical activity into their daily lives to reduce the risk of back pain. However, he acknowledged that maintaining an active lifestyle can be challenging in the face of busy schedules and everyday distractions.
The report also revealed that the risk of back pain significantly increases with age. Women, particularly those over 75, were found to be more susceptible to back pain than men. Additionally, obesity, stress at work, and lack of exercise were identified as major risk factors for back pain. Depression and sedentary lifestyles also contributed to the high incidence of back pain in the region.
In an attempt to combat these issues, AOK launched a new campaign, "Just 21 minutes of exercise a day helps." The goal is to inspire people to incorporate short bursts of physical activity into their daily routines, thereby promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Regular exercise can be highly beneficial in managing and preventing back pain. It helps build core strength, improves flexibility, and reduces stress, all of which contribute to a healthier back. Furthermore, having health insurance can provide additional support in managing back pain, covering medical treatments and offering preventive measures like physiotherapy.
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Enrichment Insights:
- Aging Population: As individuals age, deteriorative diseases like arthritis, osteoporosis, and degenerative disc disease become more prevalent, often leading to chronic back pain.
- Sedentary Lifestyles: Prolonged inactivity, often associated with technology-driven lifestyles and remote work, can contribute to musculoskeletal disorders and exacerbate existing back pain conditions.
- Psychological Factors: High levels of stress, anxiety, and depression can heighten pain perception, contributing to chronic back pain.
- Lack of Physical Activity: Regular exercise is essential for maintaining joint flexibility and muscle strength, reducing the risk of back pain. Inactivity can result in muscle atrophy, poor posture, and increased tension.
- Dietary Habits: Consumption of processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can contribute to obesity, which increases the risk of back pain conditions like osteoarthritis and lower back pain.
Regular exercise can help manage and prevent back pain by building core strength, improving flexibility, and reducing stress. Health insurance can also play a crucial role in managing and preventing back pain by covering medical treatments and offering preventive measures.
