Once you recover from low back pain, how often and how quickly does it recur?

In a 2019 study following 250 patients over 12 months:

·        69% had a recurrence of an episode of back pain

·        40% had a recurrence of activity-limiting back pain (i.e. pain was enough to affect normal activities moderately or greater)

·        Median time to recurrence of an episode of back pain was 139 days (approximately 4.5 months)

·        Frequent exposure to awkward postures, longer time sitting (>5 hours per day), and >2 previous episodes were predictive of recurrence within 12 months.¹

So, recurrence of low back pain is very common (I have had it); however, most episodes are relatively minor.

What can you do about this?

Exercise combined with education (advice and information from a trusted clinician) may reduce the risk of an episode of low back pain by 45%.²

This could be as simple as an individualised, progressive walking and education program with a physiotherapist³ – but it does not have to be walking!

As always, consult with a trusted health professional for advice specific to you.

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References

1.        da Silva et al. (2019) (PMID: 31208917)

2.        Steffens et al. (2016) (PMID: 26752509)

3.        Pocovi et al. (2024) (PMID: 38908392)