Costs of spinal disorders in Brazil

What is it about?

With this study (first cost of illness study focusing on back pain, with representative data from Brazil), we showed important findings regarding the 2016’s direct costs with spinal disorders in Brazil. A relevant message to decision-making and evidence-based practice.

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Why is it important?

Currently there is an important debate regarding evidence-based approaches towards the management of spinal disorders. It is a consensual fact that the social impacts are a burden to the society, but what we know about the costs arising from these conditions? Our study was the first to estimate the costs of spinal disorders in Brazil, using national data covering. In 2016, dorsalgia and intervertebral disc disorders accounted for the highest percentage, and physiotherapy interventions represented around 14% of the total cost. A point of concern was the large number of diagnostic imaging in cases of low back pain.