ABSTRACT
It has been estimated that episodic low back pain is frequent or persistent in 15% of the U.S. population, with a lifetime prevalence of 65 to 80% (Manchikanti, Singh, & Saini, 2002). In addition, approximately 8% of the entire working population will become disabled in any given year, contributing to 40% of all lost workdays. Regarding cost estimates in relation to morbidity and mortality of occupational injury or illness, direct costs total $65 billion, with indirect costs approaching $106 billion.
