Did you know that about one-in-seven adults in the US have chronic low back pain? This is classified as back pain that lasts longer than 3 months. It can have a huge effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal activities. With this being said, it is important to figure out what factors are associated with a higher risk for progressing from acute low back pain to chronic low back pain.
A 2020 systematic review found that 26% of patients who seek treatment for new onset low back pain are likely to still have back pain three months later. About a third of these patients will most likely have low back pain at six months too.
In 2021 of February, a study looked at data which involved 5233 acute low back pain patients. The study found that 32% of these individuals transitioned into chronic low back pain. Further research found some risk factors for chronic low back pain.
These include: smoking, obesity, severe initial disability; depression/anxiety, and a high score on the STarT Back screening tool.
This looks at 9 items: pain referred to the leg; shoulder/neck pain; difficulty walking long distances; difficulty getting dressed; fear of physical activity; worrisome thoughts; despair about condition improving; reduced ability to enjoy hobbies and other pleasurable activities; and bothersome pain. Plus, exposure to care outside of the current guidelines for low back pain were found to increase the risk for chronic low back pain by 2.16 times.
The current recommendations for acute low back pain include reassurance to reduce fear of movement and tell patients to maintain normal activity as they can. Guidelines also say that ice and heat, spinal manipulation, massage, and acupuncture can help low back pain. Patients should steer clear of diagnostic imaging, specialty consult, and prescription opioids.
We also look for dysfunctions in associated areas of the body which can occur with low back pain. As an example, tight hamstrings could be more likely to develop back pain, and patients with issues in the hips often present low back pain as well.
So, if you’re in pain, schedule an appointment and let us help you back to recovery the right way.
