How to prevent low back pain
http://www.backpaineurope.org/web/files/How%20to%20prevent%20low%20back%20pain.pdf
This chapter summarizes the European Guidelines for Prevention in Low Back Pain, which
consider the evidence in respect of the general population, workers and children. There is
limited scope for preventing the incidence (first-time onset) of back pain and, overall, there is
limited robust evidence for numerous aspects of prevention in back pain. Nevertheless, there
is evidence suggesting that prevention of various consequences of back pain is feasible.
However, for those interventions where there is acceptable evidence, the effect sizes are rather
modest. The most promising approaches seem to involve physical activity/exercise and
appropriate (biopsychosocial) education, at least for adults. Owing to its multidimensional
nature, no single intervention is likely to be effective at preventing the overall problem of back
pain, although there is likely to be benefit from getting all the players onside. However,
innovative studies are required to better understand the mechanisms and delivery of
prevention in low back pain.
Key words:
back pain; guidelines; prevention.
