By CARL S. CLEVELAND III D.C.
PRESIDENT OF CLEVELAND UNIVERSITY-KANSAS CITY
COLLEGE OF CHIROPRACTIC COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES
Studies demonstrate that back pain is the leading cause of work-related disability and absenteeism. Chronic back pain is associated with reduced mobility, quality of life and longevity,3 and often includes increased rates of other health problems.4 Neck pain is the third most common chronic pain condition in the United States and the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide, with disability from neck pain having increased by 29% in the United States over the past two decades. 5 Back and neck pain represent a substantial burden to society.