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The truth and common myths about low back pain

Writer: B. HannaB. Hanna

Updated: Aug 26, 2024


patient with low back pain and discomfort

Lower back pain is the most common cause of disability worldwide, affecting 60–70% of adults at some point in their lives, according to recent figures. However, these figures do not need to be this high. We will discuss the prognosis of low back pain in this blog post, as well as the value of education in its management as we try and understand the truths and debunk the common myths.


Will my back pain go away?


Lower back pain can be acute or chronic/persistent. A fall or carrying a large object are two common causes of acute lower back pain, which can last for a few days to a few weeks. On the other hand, chronic lower back pain lasts longer than 12 weeks and can be brought on by a variety of underlying disorders, such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc. In many cases, chronic back pain can be brought on my improper management of acute lower back pain.


Depending on the underlying cause of lower back pain, many treatment options exist. With or without treatment, acute lower back pain normally goes away on its own within a few weeks. However, managing chronic lower back pain can be more difficult and may need for an all-encompassing therapy strategy. Recent studies have demonstrated that early diagnosis and treatment of lower back pain can enhance results and lessen the risk of developing chronic pain.


According to a research in the Journal of the American Medical Association, people with acute lower back pain who were referred to physiotherapy early saw much reduced healthcare expenses and better outcomes than those who received care later in life.


Compared to those who received standard care, patients with chronic lower back pain who received multidisciplinary treatment—including physiotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and exercise—reported significantly lower pain intensities and improved physical function. This finding was supported by a different study that was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.


The importance of understanding your lower back pain.


The management of lower back pain must include patient education. It can aid patients in managing their symptoms, understanding their condition better, and lowering the likelihood of a recurrence. Additionally, education can enable patients to actively participate in their care and make knowledgeable choices regarding it.


Recent studies have demonstrated that education can significantly contribute to lessening the burden of lower back pain. According to a research in the European Spine Journal, physiotherapy alone was less successful at reducing pain and disability than physiotherapy combined with patient education.


The use of needless medical procedures to treat lower back pain can be decreased with the aid of patient education. According to a research in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, patients who learned self-management strategies including exercise and activity adjustment had a lower likelihood of needing unneeded imaging or prescriptions for opioids to treat their lower back pain.


In conclusion, lower back pain is a common condition that has a big effect on how well a patient lives. Early intervention and multidisciplinary care can enhance results and lower the likelihood of developing chronic pain. Recent studies have demonstrated the value of education in the therapy of lower back pain, demonstrating how it can help patients take an active role in their care, reduce pain and disability, and avoid using unneeded medical procedures. In order to make educated decisions regarding your care if you have lower back pain, it is crucial to obtain medical advice and keep informed about your situation.

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