Shopping Cart

How often does back pain come back?

Posted by Nicholas Dang on
How often does back pain come back?

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.

 

--

 

References

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

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

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

Older Post Newer Post