How common is back pain?

According the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) – very. ‘Around 60-80% of adults suffer back pain at some time.  
2.2 million people in Great Britain suffered from work related ill health in 2003/04 – one of five of those involved a bad back. 
Around five million working days lost through bad backs in 2003/04. On average each sufferer took about 19 days off in that 12 month period. 
At least 5 million adults consult their GP annually about back pain. 
NHS physiotherapy costs are estimated at £150.6 m.  
Back pain is the nation’s leading cause of disability with 1.1 million people disabled by it. Back pain is physically draining and often affects lifestyle, leisure activities and ability to sleep.’