The starting block: low back pain education

Low back pain is a common and complex problem. Most people will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. Although the majority recover within six weeks, up to 40% will continue to report pain one year later. Low back pain can be highly distressing to the extent that suicide ideation or attempts are twice as likely compared to those without pain. Face-to-face interviews and focus groups report that the impact of chronic low back pain could be pervasive. Participants report life-changing effects, including damage to relationships, changing social roles and identity, and concerns about the future. 

Despite this complex presentation, the first-line care for people with low back pain is straightforward. Regardless of the duration, clinicians should provide education on the benign nature of low back pain, reassurance about the absence of a serious medical condition, and advice to remain active. Unfortunately, there is a gap between the recommended care and the care usually provided. Researchers at the Centre for Pain IMPACT set out to close this gap by providing clinicians with evidence-based insights, such as education, reassurance, and patient advice (see figure 1)⁽¹⁾.