Who Is Affected

Muscle aches and back pain are common and can happen to anyone. Ninety percent of Canadians experience back pain at some point in their lives. Backaches are the second most common reason (after colds) for doctor visits in Canada. However, there are some individuals who are more at risk for muscular injuries:

• Although back pain can happen to anyone, those over 45 years of age and the elderly are particularly prone to backache because of the wear and tear on their spine over time.
• Individuals who are obese will sometimes suffer increased back problems because of the extra weight their back is carrying.
• Those who sit for long periods of time, like office workers or long-distance truck drivers, can develop back problems because of bad posture or poorly developed muscles in the stomach and back.
• Construction workers, movers or others whose job involves heavy lifting are prone to muscle injuries.
• Athletes experience aches and pains from specific repetitive movements and improper mechanics, and occasional injury due to falls.