Lower Back Pain: WHO Guidelines Illuminate treatment and prevention
Lower back pain, particularly lumbar pain, is gaining increased attention due to its global prevalence, now recognized as a leading cause of disability by the WHO.
With nearly 619 million people affected in 2020, a 60% increase since 1990, this issue is expected to impact 843 million people by 2050, mainly in Africa and Asia.
WHO experts released guidelines in December 2023, specifically targeting the treatment of chronic lower back pain, defined when discomfort persists for more than three consecutive months.
The recommendations highlight diverse approaches, ranging from educational programs and physical exercises to specific therapies like acupuncture and spinal manipulation.
Treatments such as:
- Anti-inflammatories,
- Massages, and
- Cognitive-behavioral approaches, are also advocated.
However, the WHO warns against methods such as:
-Traction,
-therapeutic ultrasound,
-And the use of opioids, emphasizing that the risks outweigh the benefits in these cases.
The document emphasizes the importance of considering lower back pain from a biopsychosocial perspective, recognizing its impact on individuals’ daily lives and societal costs.
Uncertainties persist around some therapies, requiring in-depth research. Ultimately, the guidelines stress the importance of devices facilitating mobility for individuals with back pain.
These recommendations underscore a patient-centered, equitable, non-stigmatizing, and coordinated approach to address this major health issue.
