Millions of Americans Sacrifice to Relieve Back Pain According to Survey Commissioned by BackJoy

Widespread back pain associated with lower confidence to less sex

80% of Americans will experience back pain in their lifetime (Graphic: Business Wire)

BOULDER, Colo.--()--Eighty percent of Americans will experience back pain in their lifetime1, and millions are unable to find long-term relief. According to a recent survey commissioned by BackJoy, a company that makes posture-improving products, only 23 percent of Americans realize that simply correcting posture often has a positive effect on back pain. For National Correct Posture Month, BackJoy presents a look at what Americans are saying about their back pain, posture, and exactly how far they would go – and have gone – to find relief.

Survey results include:

Goodbye, Youth. Think you feel old? Sixty-four percent of Americans say their back pain makes them feel older than they are, by an average of 21 years.

Posture Perception. The majority of Americans are quick to associate good posture with a host of positive attributes – more than eight in ten perceive someone with good posture as being happy, strong and optimistic. What’s more, nearly half (49%) of Americans find bad posture/slouching unattractive – fewer people would be turned off by someone bringing up an ex (34%) or not having a job (33%).

Adding Insult to Injury. People who suffer from back pain are more likely to feel stressed, self-conscious, unsatisfied, unattractive and even sad. In comparison, those without back pain are more likely to feel relaxed, attractive, confident, satisfied and happy.

The Ultimate Sacrifice. More than three-quarters of Americans would make sacrifices if it meant they could avoid back pain. Nearly half (48%) of these people would give up social media while 30 percent would doom themselves to a flip phone for all eternity.

I’m in the Mood for Love – or Not. Nearly half (45%) of people who experience back pain at least once a week have found the silver lining in their pain, using it to their advantage. Fifty-six percent of these sufferers have gotten out of chores, 21 percent have used their pain as an excuse to snag a seat in a crowded place and 25 percent have used it to get out of having sex with their partner when they’re not “in the mood”. It seems back pain is the new headache in the bedroom!

Fear of Missing Out. Conversely, more than three-quarters of back pain sufferers have curtailed activities due to back pain. Forty percent have skipped exercise, and 37 percent of women have resorted to leaving their high heels in the closet. More than one in ten (12%) admit they’ve cut back on sex, while one in four parents have limited holding or playing with their children because of their back pain.

“These findings reiterated the problematic issues related to back pain. Today’s sedentary lifestyle contributes to unnecessary pain and discomfort, and increased smartphone use is making the problems worse despite the health risks. Yet, finding relief can be as simple as addressing your posture. Incorporating posture support, such as the BackJoy SitSmart Posture Plus seat, can go a long way in helping manage and prevent back pain,” says chiropractor and author of Stand Taller Live Longer: An Anti-Aging Strategy, Steven Weiniger, D.C.

About BackJoy

BackJoy’s mission is to change the way the world sits, stands and sleeps. Leveraging what experts across the globe have known for years—that better posture prevents back pain—the company creates and distributes innovative patented posture-improving products to relieve back pain. Inspired by the self-care movement—the most powerful form of healthcare—BackJoy’s easy-to-use products and personal wellness initiatives help users naturally sit, stand and sleep better to produce positive, life-changing results. Change your posture, change your life!

About the Survey

The survey was conducted by Kelton, an insights firm, between February 25 and March 4, 2015 among 1,068 nationally representative Americans ages 18 and older with a 3 percent margin of error, using an email invitation and online survey. Quotas are set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the U.S. population.

1 National Centers for Health Statistics, Chartbook on Trends in the Health of Americans 2006

Contacts

Pollock Communications
Korinne Leonardis, 212-941-1414
kleonardis@pollock-pr.com

Release Summary

80% of Americans will experience back pain in their lifetime and pain sufferers feel 21 years older according to a survey from BackJoy. 48% of people would give up social media to avoid back pain.

Contacts

Pollock Communications
Korinne Leonardis, 212-941-1414
kleonardis@pollock-pr.com