Low back pain.
Low back pain is a common, frequently recurring condition that often has a nonspecific cause. Most nonspecific acute low back pain will improve within several weeks with or without treatment. The diagnostic workup should focus on evaluation for evidence of systemic or pathologic causes. Psychosocial distress, poor coping skills, and high initial disability increase the risk for a prolonged disability course. All patients with acute or chronic low back pain should be advised to remain active. The treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain involves a multidisciplinary approach targeted at preserving function and preventing disability. Surgical referral is indicated in the presence of severe or progressive neurologic deficits or signs and symptoms of cauda equina syndrome.
Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Box 356420, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195-6420, USA; VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, General Medicine Service, S-123-PCC, 1660 South Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, USA. Electronic address: zilanna@uw.edu.
Anna L
AL
Golob
Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Box 356420, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195-6420, USA; VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, General Medicine Service, S-123-PCC, 1660 South Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, USA.
Joyce E
JE
Wipf
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D013131:Spine / Q000503:physiopathology
Acute low back pain; Cause; Chronic low back pain; Diagnosis; Imaging; Risk factors; Sciatica; Treatment