Low back pain is a leading cause of disability and ranks sixth in terms of overall disease burden. Chronic low back pain has a profound socioeconomic impact on individuals, families, and communities.

Older people tend to have increased disability from lower back pain than younger patients. One study found that more than a quarter of older people in the United States had chronic low back pain. Baby boomers account for 51% of all low back pain costs.

Studies show manual therapies can improve pain and function in older patients with chronic low back pain with very few adverse side effects. The size of the senior population is expected to double over the next several decades. Chiropractic care will surely continue to play an important role in improving the quality of life of the elderly.