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Are all cases of low back pain chronic?

Writer's picture: Terra OsteopathyTerra Osteopathy

Updated: 2 days ago


woman suffering about low back pain

1. Low back pain is normal and common


It is entirely normal to experience low back pain. In fact, studies estimate that up to 85% of people will suffer from low back pain at least once in their lifetime. It is considered a global public health issue, affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds worldwide. (1)


2. When is it acute?


Low back pain can be acute, meaning it comes on suddenly and typically resolves within a short period. Acute low back pain often stems from a specific structure that becomes sensitive, such as muscles, ligaments, or joints. In these cases, manual therapy, physiotherapy, or osteopathy can play a crucial role in reducing pain quickly and preventing further discomfort. (2)


Therapies like these not only help alleviate pain but also address the root cause of the issue, promoting faster recovery and preventing acute pain from lingering or worsening. Most acute low back pain subsides within a few days to weeks with proper care.


3. When does it become chronic?


Pain is considered chronic when it persists for more than three months. At this stage, the pain is no longer caused by the initial structure or tissue damage. Instead, it becomes a result of the nervous system’s sensitization, where the brain continues to perceive pain even though the tissues—such as muscles, ligaments, vertebrae, or nerves—are no longer at risk.


Chronic low back pain is a complex condition, and the focus shifts from tissue repair to addressing the habituation of the nervous system. This requires a multifaceted approach, often involving manual therapy, exercise therapy, and education to help patients regain control and reduce the impact of pain on their daily lives.


Conclusion: Preventing chronicity through early intervention


The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends manual therapy as a key part of its treatment algorithms for low back pain. Early intervention through physiotherapy and osteopathy can significantly reduce the risk of developing chronic pain, ensuring better long-term outcomes.


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References:


  1.  De Souza IMB, Sakaguchi TF, Yuan SLK, Matsutani LA, do Espírito-Santo AS, Pereira CAB, Marques AP. Prevalence of low back pain in the elderly population: a systematic review. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2019 Oct 28;74:e789. doi: 10.6061/clinics/2019/e789. PMID: 31664424; PMCID: PMC6807687.


  2. Cashin AG, Folly T, Bagg MK, Wewege MA, Jones MD, Ferraro MC, Leake HB, Rizzo RRN, Schabrun SM, Gustin SM, Day R, Williams CM, McAuley JH. Efficacy, acceptability, and safety of muscle relaxants for adults with non-specific low back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. 2021 Jul 7;374:n1446. doi: 10.1136/bmj.n1446. PMID: 34233900; PMCID: PMC8262447.


  3. Kim KS, An J, Kim JO, Lee MY, Lee BH. Effects of Pain Neuroscience Education Combined with Lumbar Stabilization Exercise on Strength and Pain in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial. J Pers Med. 2022 Feb 17;12(2):303. doi: 10.3390/jpm12020303. PMID: 35207790; PMCID: PMC8876043.



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