Back Pain

Low back pain (LBP) is highly prevalent in the United States and globally, resulting in functional impairment and lowered quality of life. A history and physical examination should place patients into one of several categories: (1) nonspecific low back pain; (2) back pain associated with radiculopathy or spinal stenosis; (3) back pain referred from a non-spinal source; or (4) back pain associated with another specific spinal cause.

Clinical practice guidelines can be powerful tools for promoting evidence-based practice, as they integrate research findings in order to support decision making.