Low back pain is a common and significant health issue affecting people all over the world. It is the main cause of disability and is more prevalent in girls, women, and older individuals. Low back pain is also linked to socioeconomic factors, as it is more common among poorer individuals and can lead to poverty through factors such as inability to work and early retirement. The cases of low back pain have been on the rise, with one in 13 people experiencing it in 2020, marking a 60% increase over the past 30 years, especially as populations age.
A pain specialist, Mary Cardosa, warns that with the aging population in developing countries, the problem of low back pain is expected to get worse. Chronic low back pain can severely impact individuals’ lives, causing them to become housebound and affecting their relationships and financial status. It can also be distressing when the cause of the pain is unclear, leading patients to seek treatment from multiple healthcare professionals. The World Health Organization developed guidelines on the non-surgical management of chronic back pain in adults in December 2023 to address this growing health concern.
The guidelines recommend mobility assistive products, structured exercise, needling, and massage as potential treatment options. However, treatments such as paracetamol, lumbar braces, belts, and supports are not recommended. It is essential to manage patients’ expectations as low back pain often has multiple contributing factors and one-off treatments may not be effective. Multi-modal approaches that look at treating the person as a whole are recommended for managing chronic back pain effectively.
Despite the prevalence of chronic back pain, not all individuals with this condition are disabled. It is essential to understand that chronic pain fluctuates, and individuals need to learn how to manage and pace their activities to prevent flare-ups. While it may be disappointing that pain may not be eliminated entirely, some relief and return to activities are possible for many people with chronic back pain. Researchers are encouraged to study the effectiveness of more complex treatments, as a combination of treatments may be more beneficial in managing chronic pain effectively.
Health workers play a crucial role in properly assessing patients’ experiences and explaining how low back pain can impact their daily lives. It is important to educate individuals on how to manage their pain, avoid overdoing activities during periods of lower pain, and have realistic expectations for managing chronic back pain. By addressing the multifaceted nature of chronic pain and providing comprehensive care, individuals with low back pain can find relief and improve their quality of life.
