Preventing Acute Low Back Pain from Becoming Chronic

Acute low back pain can develop into chronic pain if not properly managed. To ensure this transition is avoided, non-invasive and non-drug care is recommended for acute low back pain. This includes therapies such as heat, massage, acupuncture, spinal manipulation (chiropractic adjustments), and reassurance that most episodes will resolve quickly. A recent study found that early exposure to guideline non-concordant care significantly increased the likelihood of transitioning to chronic low back pain. Non-concordant care includes early use of diagnostic imaging, specialty consultations, and the prescription of opioids or corticosteroids without the presence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is crucial to follow evidence-based guidelines to prevent acute low back pain from becoming chronic.