Chronic low back pain among older adults: a population-based perspective.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of chronic low back pain (LBP) in older North Carolinians, describe their health and health care utilization, and compare these findings with younger subgroups.

METHOD: A cross-sectional, telephone survey of 5,357 households was conducted to identify 732 adults with chronic, impairing LBP.

RESULTS: Chronic LBP prevalence in older adults was significantly higher than the 21-to-44-year age group (12.3% vs. 6.5%, p < .001). Older adults were more disabled, had longer symptom duration, and were less depressed. Chronic LBP care seeking in older adults was significantly lower than the 45-to-64-year age group (80.6% vs. 88.6%, p = .02). Older adults were less likely to receive bed rest, spinal manipulation, heat/cold treatments, electrical stimulation, and massage therapy. Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, strong narcotics, and antidepressants was significantly lower in the older age group.

DISCUSSION: There are age-related differences in health and health care use among individuals with chronic LBP.