Low back pain

About Low back pain

Low back pain is one of the most common reasons for primary care visits. Most acute episodes are non-specific musculoskeletal pain that improves within four to six weeks with continued activity, heat, NSAIDs, and brief courses of muscle relaxants when needed. Red flags — significant trauma, fever, unexplained weight loss, progressive neurologic deficits, bowel or bladder dysfunction, intravenous drug use, or history of cancer — warrant prompt evaluation and imaging. Chronic low back pain responds best to a combination of exercise therapy, physical therapy, weight management, and psychologically informed care.