BMJ  2003;327 (9 August), doi:10.1136/bmj.327.7410.0-d

Acute low back pain usually improves within a month, then recurs

People with low back pain show rapid improvements in pain and disability within one month but typically have a recurrence within a year. Pengel and colleagues (p 323) systematically reviewed 15 studies on the course of acute low back pain and sciatica. They found that most people who were initially off work returned to work within a month, but low levels of pain and disability persisted after three months. These findings contradict clinical practice guidelines, which imply that recovery from acute low back pain is rapid and complete.

Credit: OSCAR BURRIEL/SPL


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Relevant Article

Acute low back pain: systematic review of its prognosis
Liset H M Pengel, Robert D Herbert, Chris G Maher, and Kathryn M Refshauge
BMJ 2003 327: 323. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

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