摘要：Low back pain (LBP) is a condition which affects most of the individuals at some point of time in their lives.The reported prevalence of LBP in Indian population is highly variable,and ranges from 6.2% to 92%.The etiology ofLBPcovers a vast number offactors including mechanical,psychogenic,degenerative,post traumutic and inflammatory causes.Meticulous history taking and physical examination are of utmost importance while dealing with a case of LBP Various classes of medicines are available with promising results for control of LBP Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs,selective COx 2 inhibitors,muscle relaxants,opioid analgesics,tricyclic antidepressants,gabapentin,pregabalin etc.Non pharmacological intervention like spinal manipulation and acupuncture are of controversial effectiveness.Yoga and physiotherapy have evidence supporting their role in improving the pain.Strong need is there to improvise the conventional method of managing LBP Approximately 95% cases of LBP are of non specific mechanical wherein diagnostic imaging tests (including X-rays,CT and MRI) are not routinely indicated for acute non-specific LBP Investigations should be limited for the small minority (<2-5%) where the cause of back pain is suspected to be either inflammatory (ie.systemic autoimmune diseases vi ankylosing spondylitis or spondyloarthritis) or sinister.Active rehabilitation should be encouraged and the patients should not be prescribed bed rest as a treatment.Management of LBP requires an umbrella approach which,apart from pharmacological intervention,screening for psychosocial prognostic indicators in LBP may ultimately guide treatment protocols in physical therapy for more comprehensive patient care along with patient empowerment in terms of health education,participation in decision making and responsibility of taking good self-care.
关键词：HRQoL;LBP;work place absenteeism;inflammatory back pain.
