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How chronic back problems affect Black communities differently

Chronic back problems affect Black communities differently through factors like elevated prevalence rates of high-impact chronic pain and increased severity. Black people also appear to have worse functional outcomes than their White counterparts. A study on chronic low back pain published in ScienceDirect, for instance, noted that Black participants had higher pain intensity than White […]

Published

2 weeks ago

February 22, 2026

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Chronic back problems affect Black communities differently through factors like elevated prevalence rates of high-impact chronic pain and increased severity. Black people also appear to have worse functional outcomes than their White counterparts.

A study on chronic low back pain published in ScienceDirect, for instance, noted that Black participants had higher pain intensity than White participants.

Several variables drive such musculoskeletal problems and back pain disparities, from healthcare access inequality to higher prevalence of occupational risks. There’s also the ongoing issue of Black patients reportedly receiving lower-quality treatment and healthcare services.

What Are Common Back Problems?

Some of the most common back problems that affect U.S. adults include:

Muscle strains and sprains
Disc herniation
Degenerative disc disease
Arthritis
Spinal stenosis

Back pain is highly prevalent. According to the National Council on Aging NCOA, 16 million U.S. adults experience chronic back pain (CBP). CBP is back pain that persists for at least three months.

What Are the Warning Signs of a Serious Back Problem?

The symptoms and severity of back pain can vary significantly from one person to another, as some people may tolerate pain better than others. Still, several signs could indicate you have more than just a pulled muscle.

Severe or persistent pain that doesn’t improve after a few days of self-care and rest
Pain, numbness, or a pins-and-needles sensation that radiates down the legs
Loss of coordination or weakness (difficulty standing, walking, or controlling the legs)
Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control

If you experience any of the symptoms above, please don’t delay seeking professional help, as you may need neurosurgical care. Expert neurosurgical care can help relieve pain in the back, arm, leg, and neck caused by spine conditions, as explained by the experts at this spine center in Denver, CO.

It’s even more crucial to get immediate assistance if you’re having trouble with coordination and bladder/bowel function. It could indicate cauda equina syndrome (CES). CES is a rare medical emergency resulting from severe nerve root compression that requires immediate medical intervention.

How Do Chronic Back Problems Affect Black Communities Differently?

As some of the most common Black community health issues, back problems affect Black people differently in that they’re more likely to report high-impact chronic pain and more severe pain. They also tend to have worse functional outcomes.

Key contributors to these differences are various racial health inequities, from bias to systemic, socioeconomic, structural, and psychosocial factors.

Racial Bias

Racial bias can stem from various factors, including inaccurate beliefs regarding biological differences between White and Black people.

An article published in Behavioral Health News cited an earlier study that found 50% of White medical students and residents have endorsed at least one of these misconceptions. Due to these biased beliefs, they rated Black patients’ pain as lower compared to White patients’.

As a result, the medical students’ treatment recommendations were less accurate than those for White patients.

Systemic and Socioeconomic Factors

Systemic and socioeconomic factors that contribute to back problems affecting Black communities differently include disparities in health insurance and reduced access to quality healthcare facilities.

Such barriers limit Black patients’ treatment options. They contribute to the progression or worsening of their condition.

Structural Racism and Stress

Historical and ongoing structural racism, including in healthcare, can contribute to higher levels of anxiety and stress among Black people. Unfortunately, these factors have direct adverse effects on physical health and chronic pain management.

According to KFF, for instance, experiences of discrimination and racism can increase the risk for poor health outcomes. It can lead to adverse physical and mental health effects, such as hypertension, anxiety, and depression.

Psychosocial Factors

Negative experiences and cultural factors can lead to Black people’s increased level of distrust in the medical community.

Indeed, a study published in the National Library of Medicine states that Black and African Americans report higher levels of mistrust of healthcare providers, services, and systems. It also notes a strong association between medical mistrust, lower use of preventive care services, and poor health outcomes.

Why Does Addressing Health Disparities Matter?

Addressing racial disparities in Black communities matters because it’s key to breaking the long-standing cycle of socioeconomic inequality. Chronic pain has a strong association with socioeconomic disparities, as it can contribute to more days of missed work and lost wages.

Another reason is that structural and systemic inequalities, combined with higher pain severity, make Black people experiencing chronic pain more likely to develop mental health problems. They have a higher risk of experiencing anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

By addressing racial disparities, Black communities can receive the equitable, high-quality healthcare and treatment they deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Ways to Prevent Back Problems?

Yes, there are many ways to prevent back problems, including maintaining a healthy weight and practicing good posture. Using correct lifting techniques (e.g., bending at the knees while keeping the back straight and holding loads close to the waist) can also help.

Engaging in regular low-impact exercise can be just as beneficial to back health. Walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, and water aerobics are some examples.

If you work in the office and your job entails sitting for long hours in front of a computer, ergonomic adjustments can do wonders for your back. Adjust your chair height so that your feet stay flat on the ground, and ensure your computer monitor is at or just slightly below your eye level.

Make it a habit to stand and stretch your arms and legs once or twice every hour, too.

How Do You Fix Back Pain?

Fixing back pain depends on the underlying problem, although first aid includes cold and hot therapy (applying ice or heat). You should also stay active with light activities rather than resting for hours in bed.

Gentle stretching can also help. If necessary, take anti-inflammatory medications like naproxen or ibuprofen. If the pain persists, worsens, or is severe, seek professional help ASAP.

Black Patients Deserve Quality Care for Back Problems

Since chronic back problems affect Black communities differently in terms of pain severity and functional outcomes, it’s time to address and eradicate systemic and racial biases that contribute to these differences.

Find more informative guides and the latest news by exploring the rest of our website for other related reads like this.

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Poll Shows Support for Policies That Help Families Afford Child Care

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — New national polling shows persistent voter concern about the affordability and availability of child care for working parents, alongside broad support across key demographic groups for federal child care policies that help families afford care.

Published

3 days ago

March 2, 2026

Oakland Post

By First Five Years Fund

New national polling shows persistent voter concern about the affordability and availability of child care for working parents, alongside broad support across key demographic groups for federal child care policies that help families afford care.

The national survey was conducted by UpOne Insight on behalf of the First Five Years Fund from January 13–18, 2026.

Key findings include:

• Parents need help: 80% of voters say the ability of working parents to find and afford child care is either in a state of crisis or a major problem.

• This is an affordability issue: 82% believe federal child care funding will help lower costs for working families — including 69% of Republicans, 84% of Independents, and 94% of Democrats.

• And there continues to be strong support (62%) for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), a federal program that makes it possible for hundreds of thousands of families to afford safe, quality care for their children while parents work or go to school, including a majority of Republicans, 63% of Independents and 72% of Democrats.

• Support for funding child care programs remains strong: 75% believe child care funding should be increased or kept at current levels — including 75% of Republicans, 85% of Independents, and 97% of Democrats.

• 74% say funding for child care is an important and good use of tax dollars, including a majority of Republicans, three-quarters of Independents, and nine in ten Democrats.

FFYF Executive Director Sarah Rittling said, “Voters across the country are sending a clear message: federal child care and early learning programs work. These investments help parents stay in the workforce, strengthen families, and support healthy child development. They have also long had strong bipartisan support in Congress. At a time when affordability is top of mind for families, continued federal funding is essential to ensure child care remains accessible and within reach.”

First Five Years Fund works to protect, prioritize, and build bipartisan support for quality child care and early learning programs at the federal level. Reliable, affordable, and high-quality early learning and child care can be transformative, not only enhancing a child’s prospects for a brighter future but also bolstering working parents and fostering economic stability nationwide.

We work with Congress and the Administration to identify federal solutions that work for families with young children, as well as states and communities. We work with policymakers to identify ways to increase access to affordable, high-quality child care and early learning programs for children. And we collaborate with advocacy groups to help align best practices with the best possible policies. http://www.ffyf.org

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Trump’s MAGA Allies are Creating Executive Order Plan to Steal the 2026 Midterms

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The document that could lead to an executive order proposes using the claim that China interfered with the 2020 elections as grounds to “declare a national emergency.” The move would be an unprecedented step that would grant Trump new authority over the voting systems in the U.S.

Published

6 days ago

February 27, 2026

Oakland Post

By Lauren Victoria Burke, NNPA Newswire Correspondent

A group of MAGA pro-Trump activists, who say they are working in coordination with the White House, are circulating a 17-page draft executive order that would claim without evidence that China interfered with the 2020 presidential election. Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential to President Joe Biden by over 7 million votes. Since Trump lost to Biden in 2020, he has repeatedly claimed that the election was “stolen” without evidence. The report of a group of “Trump allies” preparing an executive order to give Trump power over elections was first reported by The Washington Post.

The lies around the right-wing campaign that pushed falsehoods that the 2020 election was stolen was trafficked through right-wing media, particularly Fox News. Fox News was then sued for defamation for the claims by Dominion Voting Systems. Fox lost the case and had to settle for the largest defamation amount on record of $787.5 million in April 2023.

The document that could lead to an executive order proposes using the claim that China interfered with the 2020 elections as grounds to “declare a national emergency.” The move would be an unprecedented step that would grant Trump new authority over the voting systems in the U.S.

The story in The Washington Post arrives as Trump increasingly signals that he may take actions that would alter the result of the 2026 midterms. The Republicans are widely expected to lose as their approval ratings plummet as a result of a failing economy under Trump. Over 50 members of Congress have announced they will retire this year and not return in 2027.

The Trump Department of Justice, which now has a large image of Trump on the side of it, “sued five new states Thursday [Feb. 26, 2026] demanding access to their unredacted voter rolls — escalating a campaign that has been rejected by multiple federal courts and faces resistance from Republican-led states as well,” according to Democracy Docket, a group that works to protect voting rights.

Trump claimed back in late 2020, the last year of his first term, that he had the authority to issue an executive order related to mail-in voting for the 2020 elections — which he would then lose. But the Constitution states that control of elections lies with the states. As the GOP works to place hurdles in front of voting, Democrats worked to make voting easier.

In March 2021, President Biden signed an executive order calling on federal agencies to expand voting access as part of the Biden Administration’s effort “to promote and defend the right to vote for all Americans who are legally entitled to participate in elections.”

Trump’s focus is clearly on altering the November 2026 midterm elections. Trump’s polling numbers and the elections and special elections that have taken place around the U.S. over the last year clearly indicate that Republicans are about to be hit by a blue wave of Democratic victories.

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent investigative journalist and the founder of Black Virginia News. She is a political analyst who appears on #RolandMartinUnfiltered and hosts the show LAUREN LIVE on YouTube @LaurenVictoriaBurke. She can be contacted at LBurke007@gmail.com and on twitter at @LVBurke

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PRESS ROOM: NBA Hall of Fame Nominee Terry Cummings Joins 100 Black Men of DeKalb County to Launch Victory & Values Initiative

NNPA NEWSWIRE — NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings was administered the official member’s oath and ceremonially pinned during a special induction ceremony held on Friday, February 20th.

Published

6 days ago

February 27, 2026

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Cummings becomes an honorary member, joining other role model sports stars

NBA Hall of Fame nominee and Basketball Legend Terry Cummings has officially become an honorary member of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County, marking a powerful new chapter for the 100 Black Men and youth development across the region.

Cummings was administered the official member’s oath and ceremonially pinned during a special induction ceremony held on Friday, February 20th. The moment signified more than membership — it marked the launch of the organization’s transformative new platform, the Victory & Values Initiative.

The Victory & Values Initiative is a groundbreaking youth development program designed to empower elementary and middle school students through a dynamic blend of sports, mentorship, and STEM exposure. The initiative focuses on building health, discipline, character, leadership, and access to opportunity — creating pathways for long-term academic and personal success.

“This is about more than sports,” said Cummings during the ceremony. “It’s about using the platform of athletics to teach life lessons, create access, and build the next generation of leaders.”

The induction ceremony also featured notable guests including NASCAR’s newest Star Driver, Lavar Scott and NASCAR Director of Athletic Performance, Phil Horton, who joined Cummings for a powerful Victory & Values Town Hall discussion. The Town Hall was moderated by renowned Sports Emcee John Hollins and focused on leadership, resilience, discipline, and the importance of mentorship in shaping young lives.

A “Day at NASCAR” for 75+ Youth

Cummings wasted no time getting to work. On his first full day as an honorary member, he joined his new brothers of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County to host a “Day at NASCAR,” escorting more than 75 youth to a once-in-a-lifetime experience at EchoPark Motor Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway).

The youth participants received behind-the-scenes access including: an exclusive tour of Pit Row, access to the Garage Area and exploration of the interactive Fan Zone.

The experience culminated with a surprise meet-and-greet and Q&A session with NASCAR Superstar Bubba Wallace, who shared insights on perseverance, preparation, and breaking barriers in professional sports.

The day served as a living example of the ‘Victory & Values’ Initiative in action — exposing youth to new industries, expanding their vision for the future, and connecting them directly with high- level mentors and role models.

Building Leaders Through Access and Mentorship

The 100 Black Men of DeKalb County – a chapter of the largest, national mentoring organization in the county – continues to expand its footprint with programs focused on academic excellence, economic empowerment, leadership development, and health & wellness.

The launch of ‘Victory & Values’ represents a strategic expansion of the organization’s impact

intentionally integrating athletics and STEM to engage youth at an early age while reinforcing core principles such as integrity, accountability, teamwork, and perseverance.

“Our mission has always been to mentor the next generation,” said Vaughn Irons, President-Elect of the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County. “With Terry Cummings joining the brotherhood, along with partners in NASCAR and professional sports, we are creating unprecedented access and exposure for our youth. Victory & Values is about turning inspiration into structured opportunity.”

By connecting elementary and middle school students to professional athletes, executives, STEM professionals, and community leaders, the initiative aims to:

Increase youth exposure to careers in sports business, engineering, and performance science
Strengthen mentorship pipelines
Promote physical wellness and mental resilience
Build character-driven leadership at an early age

Open Invitation to Youth and Families

All youth are invited to participate in the Victory & Values Initiative, along with the other countless, impactful programs offered by the 100 Black Men of DeKalb County.

Parents and guardians seeking mentorship, leadership development, academic enrichment, and transformative exposure opportunities for their children are encouraged to connect with the organization.

As NBA Legend Terry Cummings’ induction demonstrates, Victory & Values is more than a program — it is a movement designed to build champions in life, not just in sports.

For more information about the Victory & Values Initiative or to enroll a student, contact: 100 Black Men of DeKalb County at Phone at 404.241.1338, info@100bmod.org or Tee Foxx at 404.791.6525,