2024-01-22 17:21:00
Low back pain affects more than 570 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of disability. Most cases of back pain recover, even after several months. However, the chances of recovery decrease significantly after experiencing back pain for a long period of time.
A systematic review and meta-analysis carried out by an international team of researchers included 95 studies with the aim of understanding the clinical course of acute (less than six weeks), subacute (six to less than 12 weeks) and persistent (of 12 to 12 weeks). less than 52 weeks) of low back pain, and showed that while pain and mobility problems decrease in the first six weeks for new back pain, recovery slows thereafter. Persistent low back pain may continue even after the initial injury has healed, due to hypersensitivity of the pain system.
Chronic back pain requires a new approach that focuses on training both the brain and the body to reduce pain sensitivity and increase function and participation in meaningful activities. Identifying slow recovery in subacute low back pain is crucial to escalate care and reduce the likelihood of persistent pain.
More research is needed to develop better treatments for this common and debilitating condition, especially in younger and older age groups.
This study will be published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
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