Low back pain refers to pain located in the lumbar region and sacrum. Due in particular to sedentary lifestyle habits, more than 80% of people will experience acute low back pain (lumbago) at some point. Its occurrence is more frequent between the ages of 35 and 55.
In the absence of signs of severity (neurological deficit) or suggestive elements (recent trauma, cancer, fever, etc.), no additional examination (X-ray, MRI, or CT scan) is necessary. Unlike so-called specific or secondary low back pain resulting from an identified cause (such as a herniated disc), no disease or injury is found in the majority of cases of common low back pain. The symptoms are then attributed either to physical or psychological tension, contractures, or an imbalance in the musculo-ligamentous system, degenerative lesions of the discs (discopathy), or articular facets (osteoarthritis).
Most often, the natural evolution of common low back pain is spontaneously favorable, and conservative treatment with physiotherapy and pain relievers (Paracetamol, Anti-inflammatories, Myorelaxants) is generally sufficient. It is important to remain active by adopting an activity adapted to the intensity of the pain, with a return to usual activities, including professional ones, as soon as possible and avoiding immobilization and prolonged bed rest as much as possible.
Acute low back pain is defined when the duration of symptoms is less than 6 weeks, subacute between 6 and 12 weeks, and chronic beyond 3 months of evolution. It is estimated that about 5 to 10% of patients with acute low back pain will develop a chronic or recurring form. Risk factors for chronicization include psychological factors (depression, anxiety, passive attitude toward the disease), professional factors (dissatisfaction, burnout, insurance-related conflict), and physical factors (recurrent episode, severe pain, or functional impairment). Rapid management by a specialized and multidisciplinary team reduces the risks of chronicization, and is recommended in cases of persistent or recurring low back pain
