Acute non-specific low back pain in primary care

Abstract

Acute non-specific low back pain, usually a result of muscle strains and ligament sprains from lifting, exercising or moving unexpectedly, is commonly encountered in primary care. At any given time, approximately one in five adults will report low back pain. Although non-specific low back pain is usually self-limiting and improves with time, there is an array of treatment options to facilitate this process and to minimise potential suffering, disability and absenteeism from work. This article will provide a review of such treatment options.