Global, regional, and national burden and trends of Low back pain in middle-aged adults: analysis of GBD 1990–2021 with projections to 2050

This study highlights the global burden and trends of LBP in the middle-aged population. Although the DALY rate for the 45-59 age group decreased from 1990 to 2021, the total number of DALYs increased significantly due to population aging. In this context, the burden of LBP in low-middle SDI regions has remained largely unchanged and remains substantial, while high-SDI regions, despite some decline, continue to bear the highest overall burden. High BMI continues to contribute significantly to the rising LBP burden, particularly in middle-aged populations, and demands urgent attention. Gender differences indicate that females bear a greater LBP burden than males, with the gap widening over time. Effective preventive and intervention measures are urgently needed to mitigate the future burden of LBP.