Dr. Vince LeoneOwner, Consultant, Specialized Practice · Owner, Consultant at Specialized Practice

20% of Back Pain Becomes CHRONIC: The Devastating Impact!

27 Feb 2026 · 1 min

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1:26

In this segment of Dr. Vince Leone’s YouTube video, the speakers discuss the alarming prevalence and far‑reaching consequences of chronic low back pain. They note that up to 20% of individuals aged 20‑59 with low back pain develop chronic symptoms, making low back pain the leading cause of disability for decades. Many chronic musculoskeletal patients, especially those with low back pain, do not achieve relief from surgery and may become dependent on opioids. Dr. Leone emphasizes how chronic pain strips people of their ability to work and earn a living, eroding self‑esteem and damaging relationships with spouses, children, and friends. The excerpt underscores the socioeconomic, psychological, and relational toll of chronic low back pain beyond the physical symptoms.

Chapters

With approximately 20% becoming chronic in the age 20 to 59 year range. Low back pain has been the leading cause of disability for numerous decades. And it says finally, furthermore, many chronic musculoskeletal patients, especially with low back pain, do not respond to surgery and many develop dependence on opioids. Hmm. So, if you think about that, 20%. So, it's— you'd mentioned 10%. It's actually the latest studies are up to 20% of these turn chronic.
Wow. Wow. And, you know, when you have a condition that is taking people out of work and reducing their ability to earn a living, and you're worried about someone, you know, having the desire to do it, I mean, good Lord, there is no bigger desire than your ability to provide, right? Your ability to earn a living. And that's not even talking about or considering the subsequent effects. So, not only not being able to earn a living, right? But being able to or not being able to have the self-esteem that goes along with the confidence, how that affects your relationships with your spouse, with your kids, with your friends,