BACK PAIN RISK SCALE

How old are you?

Back pain affects 80% of people over the age of 30 at some point in their lives.

  • Under 30 - add 0
  • 30 to 39 - add 1
  • 40 to 65 - add 2
  • Over 65 - add 3

Do you smoke?

Smoking contributes to the potential for back pain.

  • Yes - add 2
  • No - add 0

Are you overweight?

Excess weight increases your chance of developing back pain.

  • If yes and 0-5 lbs overweight - add 1
  • 6-10 lbs overweight - add 2
  • 11-15 lbs overweight - add 3
  • 16-20 lbs overweight - add 4
  • More than 20 lbs - add 5

How often do you exercise?

Regular exercise can help prevent back pain.

  • 0 times per week - add 3
  • 1 time per week - add 2
  • 2 times per week - add 1
  • 3 times per week - add 0
  • 4-7 times per week - deduct 1

How often do you lift heavy objects?

Lifting heavy objects can contribute to strain on the back; be sure you are using proper lifting techniques.

  • 0 times per month - add 0
  • 1-2 times per month - add 1
  • 3-4 times per month - add 2
  • 5-6 times per month - add 3
  • 7-8 times per month - add 4
  • More than 8 times per month - add 5

Have you already experienced back pain?

Once you have back pain, there is a greater chance it will return.

  • Yes - add 3
  • No - add 0

Scoring Scale

  • 0 Congratulations! You are doing what you can to prevent spine pain.
  • 1-4 Low risk. You are doing many things right to prevent spine pain.
  • 5-8 Potential risk. You should change some habits.
  • 9-12 Moderate risk. See a doctor to learn more about prevention.
  • 13-16 Significant risk. You need to change habits now to prevent spine pain.
  • 17-20 Serious risk! Spine pain is likely.

Source: North American Spine Society