You're right. Last year we spent 100 billion dollars on this problem. The high cost of back care may be caused by reinjury, chronic pain, and long-term disability. Studies show that many back pain patients still have pain after one year. Only about 25 percent of the back pain patients recover and return to normal activities including work.

Money spent on back care per patient can add up quickly with drugs, doctor's fees, chiropractic care, and other services. If conservative care fails, surgery may be the next treatment option. Operating room costs, hospital costs, and surgeon's fees are just the tip of the iceberg.