THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

SENATE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY PILEGGI, SEPTEMBER 9, 2009

INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED, SEPTEMBER 9, 2009  

A RESOLUTION

Recognizing the week of September 20 through 26, 2009, as "Low-

Back Pain Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.

WHEREAS, Thirty-one million Americans have low-back pain at

any given time, and one-half of all working Americans admit to

having low-back pain symptoms each year; and

WHEREAS, One-third of all Americans 18 years of age and older

had a back problem in the past five years severe enough for them

to seek professional help; and

WHEREAS, The cost of treating low-back pain is estimated to

be a staggering $50 billion yearly; and

WHEREAS, Studies suggest that people in pain are at high risk

for depression; and

WHEREAS, Sixty-five billion dollars are lost in annual wages

due to low-back pain in the United States; and

WHEREAS, In 2005, more than 14 million office visits to

United States' physicians were made by patients complaining of

back pain; and

WHEREAS, Low-back pain is the second most symptom-related

reason for doctor visits; and

WHEREAS, Low-back pain can be better managed by employing

disease management protocols similar to those developed for

diabetes, chronic heart disease and high blood pressure;

therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the week of September 20

through 26, 2009, as "Low-Back Pain Awareness Week" in

Pennsylvania and call upon all citizens of Pennsylvania to

observe this week by participating in appropriate activities to

raise awareness of low-back pain and by learning how to improve

the quality of life for people in this Commonwealth suffering

from low-back pain.