A Brief Review of Physical and Psychosocial Factors Involved in Chronic Low Back Pain

Abstract

There is a high incidence of low back pain (LBP) in developed countries. Researchers have investigated potential occupation setting(s) that increase the risk of LBP and have reported numerous job related adaptations to reduce the various identified risks. However, chronic LBP results in approximately 10% of all reported LBP cases which can result in frustrating prolonged disability and extensive financial costs to the healthcare system. In the absence/successful treatment of medical and neurological pathology, biopsychosocial interventions may assist chronic LBP sufferers regain their personal and professional lifestyle. Following the biopsychological intervention model, recent research indicates that following ‘normal’ clinical practice guidelines for LBP and the feedback/recommendations made by healthcare practitioners (physicians’ and therapists’) plays a crucial role in chronic LBP patients treatment and recovery duration.