Low back pain

Low back pain (LBP) is a common reason for office visits to primary care physicians. Two thirds of individuals develop back pain at least once in their lifetime [1], and up to 85% of Americans suffer at least one episode of back pain a year [2]. Between 75% and 90% of these episodes resolve within 2 to 4 weeks [1-3], and up to 95% of patients return to their baseline levels of daily functioning by 6 months [4]. In one survey [5], recovery time from the acute episode and return to work were similar regardless of type of health care provider seen-urban or rural primary care practice (PCP), urban or rural chiropractor, orthopedic surgeon, or a practitioner in a group model health maintenance organization. Although low back pain resolves in majority of patients, recurrence is common. Between 20% and 44% of individuals will have a recurrence within the first year of their first episode, and 80% of individuals have a recurrence within 10 years [2,3]. Chronic disabling back pain exists in 5% to 8% of back pain sufferers.