Suffering from Back Pain? You're Not Alone in Saarland
Approximately one-quarter of residents in Saarland seek medical attention due to back discomfort. - Nearly a Quarter of Saarland Residents Seek Medical Help for Back Ailments
In 2023, statistics show that a staggering 24.5% of the Saarland population has experienced back pain, according to health insurance company Barmer. That's nearly one in four people! Saarland takes the lead among west German states with this high prevalence.
Interestingly, age and gender play significant roles in this statistic. Older folks, between 80 to 89 years old, are more afflicted at 33.2%, whereas the young guns aged 20 to 29 only account for 16.1%, less than half of their elder counterparts. Women (26.9%) are also more likely to seek treatment for back pain than men (22.0%).
Rhineland-Palatinate is close behind with 23% of its population battling back pain, a figure Barmer revealed in an April report.
Stress: A Silent Culprit
While physical factors often grab the headlines, don't forget about the impact of mental health. As per Dunja Kleis, Barmer's regional manager, stress and depression can trigger increased muscle tension that can subsequently lead to back pain.
Combat Back Pain with Everyday Habits
Living an active life is key to reducing back pain. Instead of taking the elevator, opt for the stairs. Regularly shifting positions while seated at work can help alleviate muscle and joint stress. And if you're working with an adjustable-height desk or a supportive chair, even better!
- Saarland
- Back pain
- Barmer
- Worksite Ergonomics
- Saarland's community policy could include a focus on workplace-wellness, such as implementing vocational training programs that educate employees about fitness-and-exercise and maintaining proper ergonomics at their workstations, to help combat the high prevalence of back pain.
- In their continued efforts to address the high rate of back pain in the region, Saarland could explore partnerships with scientific institutions for research into health-and-wellness, particularly mental health, to better understand the link between stress, depression, and back pain.
- To improve workforce productivity and reduce healthcare costs associated with back pain, Saarland could invest in vocational training programs that provide workers with practical skills in maintaining physical fitness, stress management, and mental health awareness, ultimately promoting a healthier workforce.
