The healing process is complex.
Back pain poses a nuanced challenge, acting as a two-sided issue, researchers caution. While it typically resolves within approximately six weeks in most instances, there is a concerning pattern when it persists, indicating a likelihood of prolonged discomfort.
Lorimer Moseley, a professor specializing in physiotherapy and pain management at the University of South Australia in Adelaide, sheds light on the mixed aspects of back pain. On a positive note, the majority of episodes of back pain recover, even if they extend for a couple of months initially. However, the drawback is that once back pain persists beyond a few months, the chances of recovery diminish significantly.
The global impact of low back pain is substantial, affecting over 570 million people worldwide. In the U.S. alone, the financial burden of treating low back pain reached $134.5 billion between 1996 and 2016, with costs continuing to rise.
A thorough review of 95 studies conducted by an international team explored acute low back pain (lasting less than 6 weeks), subacute back pain (6-12 weeks), and persistent low back pain (more than 12 weeks). The findings, reported in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, unveiled that individuals with new back pain experience significant improvements in pain and mobility during the first six weeks, followed by a gradual slowdown.
In contrast to a 2012 study from the same team, the recent review exposed a critical gap. It revealed that individuals experiencing pain for more than 12 weeks often sustain moderate-to-high levels of pain and disability even after the initial injury has healed. The researchers underscored that such prolonged back pain is linked to pain system hypersensitivity, not ongoing back injury.
Moseley stressed the necessity for a fresh strategy for those grappling with persistent back pain for more than a few months. Innovative treatments, focusing on training both the brain and body, aim to address the complexity of chronic back pain. The approach involves understanding that chronic back pain lacks a simple solution, followed by gradually reducing pain sensitivity and enhancing function and participation in meaningful activities.
Recognizing slowed recovery is crucial for stepping up care and reducing the likelihood of persistent pain. The researchers emphasized the necessity for further study, particularly in understanding and addressing this common condition in individuals under 18 and over 60 years of age.
Discussion about this post