Low Back Pain: Evidence-Based Prevention and Treatment

Low back pain is a common condition affecting the muscles, bones and nerves of the back. It is not a specific disease but is rather a symptom of an underlying problem. It can be classified into four chief categories - musculoskeletal, infectious, inflammatory and malignant. Musculoskeletal or mechanical problems are responsible for 90% of low back pain cases. The management and prognosis of low back pain is subject to the duration of symptoms. Imaging techniques such as CT or MRI are used for the diagnosis of low back pain. Techniques such as straight leg raise test and lumbar provocative discography are used for diagnosing disc herniation and identifying the disc that is causing pain. Evidence supports the role of exercise in preventing low back pain. While acute low back pain resolves by itself, sub-chronic or chronic low back pain management requires diverse treatments comprising of NSAIDs, exercise therapy, peripheral nerve stimulation, Alexander technique and yoga, besides others. This book is a compilation of chapters that discuss the most vital concepts and emerging trends in the diagnosis and management of low back pain. Different approaches, evaluations, methodologies and advanced studies on low back pain have been included in this book. The readers would gain knowledge that would broaden their perspective about this condition.