Many Florida workers suffer from back pain. It may be from an old injury or due to the repetitive stress of your job. Regardless of how you got it, you likely are not the only one in your workplace suffering from a sore back. But do you know how costly back pain can actually be?
FMP Global takes a look at the cost of back pain in the United States. First, they point out that back pain is actually one of the most common reasons for people missing work. Up to 80 percent of the population will someday have at least one severe episode of pain in the lower back. Lower back pain alone costs the U.S. up to $100 billion a year. As so many people call out of work for this issue, lost wages and productivity make up a portion of this.
Back injuries and soreness can even be severe enough that you may qualify for disability. Some people even require long-term disability. Though you may be able to gain compensation through your workplace, you will also have to spend money on treatment. This can include physical therapy and even surgery in extreme cases. Unfortunately, physical therapy must happen over a period of time to be effective. This means the costs can continue to stack up.
Between a reduction in paychecks and treatment costs, back injuries and pain can be financially draining. For this reason, many victims of back pain choose to pursue compensation. It can create a financial cushion that allows you to get back on your feet a bit faster.