Neurosurgeon Jobyna Whiting explains the consequences that back pain can have on daily life and how it can affect the development of people.

The doctor says although the pain in each individual is different, in all cases it interferes with the patient’s activities. “It can be a snowball effect as soon as people start having pain and can’t do normal activities. When stopping normal activities, people start gaining weight and even become depressed. Chronic pain and depression are absolutely something that go hand-in-hand.”

Troubles at sleeping are another consequence of back pain. In this sense, the doctor highlights many of her patients have told her they only can sleep in a reclining chair or in a position by placing a pillow between their legs.

“One of the things that they complain about very frequently or want to discuss about is how difficult it is for them to sleep,” she says.