Chronic Lower Back Pain Market

The global Chronic Lower Back Pain Market is valued at USD 6.8 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 11.2 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 4.7% between 2025 and 2035. The market is driven by the rising incidence of Chronic Lower Back Pain in the general population due to obesity, psychological and stress sedentary lifestyles. For instance, according to Cross River Therapy in December 2022 stated that around 540 million people worldwide experience back pain at any given time, with approximately 5.0% of them at risk of developing Chronic Lower Back Pain.

Key Highlights

• Based on the Drug Class, the Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs category accounted for significant market share of 26.4% in 2024
• By Route of Administration, Oral dominated the market with significant market share in 2024
• In 2024, by Distribution Channel, Retail & Online Pharmacies dominated the market with largest market share
• North America dominated the market with 45.5% market share in 2024

Drug Class Overview

​The Drug Class segment is divided into Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Antidepressants, Analgesics, Opioids, Others. The Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs segment held the dominant share in 2024, accounting for significant market share of 26.4%.

In 2024, the Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) segment led the market. These medications are widely favored by the general population due to their easy over-the-counter availability and their ability to offer long-lasting pain relief. As a result, NSAIDs are among the most commonly prescribed drugs by healthcare practitioners. For instance, an article from Harvard Health Publishing highlighted that NSAIDs are the preferred treatment for back pain, largely because of their accessibility, affordability, and various clinical advantages.

Route of Administration Overview

The Route of Administration segment is divided into Oral, Topical, Others. Oral dominated the market with significant market share in 2024.

The oral segment held the largest share of the Chronic Lower Back Pain market. This growth is driven by several factors, including strong patient compliance, high bioavailability, safety, low production costs, and superior quality. These advantages make oral administration one of the most preferred methods from both the perspectives of patients and manufacturers.

Regions and Countries

North America

• United States
• Canada
• Mexico

Europe

• Germany
• United Kingdom
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India

Rest of Asia Pacific

• Latin America
• Brazil
• Argentina

Rest of Latin America

• Middle East & Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• United Arab Emirates
• Israel
• Rest of MEA

Regional Overview

In 2024, the North America captured 45.5% of the revenue share.

North America Chronic Lower Back Pain market is driven by the high prevalence of Chronic Lower Back Pain, increasing demand for advanced treatment options, and the availability of cutting-edge healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, rising awareness of non-opioid therapies, ongoing R&D efforts, and favorable reimbursement policies have further contributed to the expansion of the market in North America. The primary underlying causes of Chronic Lower Back Pain are osteoarthritis and degenerative disk disease. Managing this condition involves a range of intervention strategies, including surgical options, medication, and non-medical approaches like rehabilitation. A study published by the JAMA Network in February 2021 reported that low back pain is the leading cause of disability in the United States, contributing to 4.3 million years lived with disability—nearly double the burden of any other health issue. Furthermore, it is estimated that 13% of adults in the U.S. suffer from Chronic Lower Back Pain.

Asia Pacific region is anticipated to grow at fastest rate during the forecast period driven by the rising prevalence of Chronic Lower Back Pain due to an aging population, increasing urbanization, and a growing prevalence of sedentary lifestyles. Additionally, advancements in healthcare infrastructure, greater access to advanced treatment options, and rising awareness of pain management solutions are further driving market expansion. Government agencies are implementing initiatives aimed at establishing guidelines, policies, and recommendations for managing Chronic Lower Back Pain. For instance, in 2022, the Australian government launched the Australian Atlas of Healthcare Variation, which outlines best practices for the early management of low back pain and ensures that patients are well-informed about the various treatment options available.

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Key Trends

• Shift toward non-opioid therapies: Increasing focus on non-opioid pain management solutions due to concerns over opioid addiction and regulatory scrutiny
• Innovative treatment development: Growing investment in biologics, gene therapies, and regenerative medicine (e.g., stem cell therapy) to offer long-term pain relief
• Advances in spinal cord stimulation and minimally invasive techniques: Rising popularity of alternative treatments like spinal cord stimulation devices and less invasive surgical options
• Personalized medicine: Increased focus on tailoring treatments to specific pain pathways or patient subgroups for more effective pain management
• Integration of digital health tools: The use of wearable devices, telemedicine, and remote monitoring technologies to enhance patient care and treatment outcomes
• Rise in complementary and alternative therapies: Growing demand for physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and mindfulness-based treatments for holistic pain management

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Market Dynamics

Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Lower Back Pain is Expected to Drive Market Growth

The rising incidence of Chronic Lower Back Pain (CLBP) is a key factor propelling the global market forward. Factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and psychological distress are contributing to the increasing number of individuals affected by this condition. According to a report by Cross River Therapy published in December 2022, approximately 540 million people worldwide experience back pain, with around 5.0% of them at risk of developing Chronic Lower Back Pain. As the prevalence of CLBP grows, so does the demand for effective treatment options. In response, pharmaceutical manufacturers are focusing on developing innovative drugs by ramping up research and development (R&D) activities.

Availability of alternative treatments restraints the market

The growth of the Chronic Lower Back Pain market is the availability of non-pharmacological treatments, such as physical therapy, meditation, lifestyle changes, acupuncture, biofeedback therapy, laser therapy, and electrical nerve stimulation. These alternatives often show better outcomes with fewer or no side effects compared to medication-based treatments. Certain drugs, like muscle relaxants and narcotics, carry risks of dependency and negative interactions with other medications, potentially worsening health conditions. Meanwhile, new therapies such as the intracept procedure, which provides long-lasting relief from Chronic Lower Back Pain, are emerging as superior alternatives. For instance, an article by The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in June 2022 reported that 64% of patients who underwent the intracept procedure experienced more than 50% pain relief, and 30% reported complete pain relief within 12 months.

Competitive Landscape

The Chronic Lower Back Pain market is marked by the presence of several established pharmaceutical companies and emerging players, each striving to develop innovative treatments to address the high unmet medical need in this area. The market is characterized by a mix of pain management therapies, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, muscle relaxants, and newer, non-addictive biologics and regenerative treatments. Key players are investing in research and development to bring novel therapeutics, such as gene therapy and spinal cord stimulation devices, to the forefront. Additionally, there is increasing competition from alternative therapies, including physical therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic care, which continue to gain traction. Market dynamics are shaped by patent expirations, regulatory approvals, and a growing emphasis on non-opioid solutions, driven by concerns around addiction and safety. The evolving treatment landscape presents opportunities for companies that can offer effective, long-term pain relief with minimal side effects.

The key players in the global Chronic Lower Back Pain market include - Johnson & Johnson Private Limited among others.

Recent Market Developments

AppliedVR Launches RelieVRx: A Groundbreaking Virtual Reality Therapy for Chronic Lower Back Pain Approved for Workers' Compensation

• In May 2024, AppliedVR, a pioneer in immersive therapies that are transforming medical practices, launched its primary prescription product, RelieVRx®, for use in workers' compensation. The FDA has approved the RelieVRx device, marking it as the first comprehensive and immersive virtual reality therapy specifically designed for Chronic Lower Back Pain

NRx Pharmaceuticals Submits IND Application to FDA for NRX-101 in Chronic Pain Management

• In August 2023, NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, submitted an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the FDA for NRX-101 as a potential treatment for chronic pain. This application leverages innovative research by utilizing D-cycloserine, a key ingredient in NRX-101, to address chronic pain effectively

Aspen Medical Products Introduces Horizon PRO Lower Spine Braces to Alleviate Muscle Strain and Lower Back Pain

• In June 2023, Aspen Medical Products, a leader in mobility and pain management solutions, launched the Horizon PRO range of lower spine braces aimed at alleviating symptoms associated with lower back pain due to muscle strain and spasms. Utilizing Aspens scientifically validated tri-band technology, the Horizon PRO series provides an advanced approach to pain management. This research-backed, inelastic design enhances trunk stability, reducing strain on fatigued muscles, which is crucial for relieving severe lower back pain

The global Chronic Lower Back Pain market can be categorized as Drug Class, Route of Administration, Distribution Channel and Region.