Low Back Pain

Abstract

Low back pain is the most common cause of avoiding work and physical activities. Therefore, it creates a heavy burden both on the patient and on the society. The biopsychological approach has taken over in the etiology of low back pain in the last decade. Despite the progress in diagnosis and treatment in recent years, difficulties in LBP management continue. Some factors that reduce the effectiveness of treatment can be summarized as a continuation of exposure to factors that cause and perpetuate, and different responses to pharmacological treatments. No identifiable underlying pathology can be found in 85-95% of the patients. Red flag findings should be investigated while evaluating the patient. In the first step, anamnesis and physical examination of the patient are usually sufficient for diagnosis. Radiology has no place in the diagnosis of nonspecific low back pain. Diagnostic radiology and laboratory tests could be performed when chronic low back pain or any other specific etiologies are considered. The aim of treatment is to relieve the pain and keep the patient active. Acute low back pain recovers by 80% in the first 2 weeks. Step-by-step treatment approach is recommended for acute low back pain. The patient should be taught to self-control his condition. Exercise and physical therapy methods can be applied as the physical dimension of the treatment. If psychosocial factors contributing to pain are prominent, psychosocial approaches, behavioral cognitive therapy, and biofeedback can be applied. Considering the occupational reasons that may lead to LBP, suggestions should be made regarding working conditions. Thus, with a multidisciplinary approach, biological, psychological, and social aspects should be evaluated and treatment should be shaped. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023.