This guideline “ Early Management Of Persistent Nonspecific Low Back Pain ” covers the early treatment and management of persistent or recurrent low back pain, defined as non-specific low back pain that has lasted for more than 6 weeks, but for less than 12 months. Non-specific low back pain is tension, soreness and or stiffness in the lower back region for which it is not possible to identify a specific cause of the pain. Several structures in the back, including the joints, discs, and connective tissues, may contribute to symptoms.
The lower back is commonly defined as the area between the bottom of the rib cage and the buttock creases. Some people with non-specific low back pain may also feel pain in their upper legs, but the low back pain usually predominates. A clinician who suspects that there is a specific cause for their patient's low back pain should arrange the relevant…
