Doctor Julio Sánchez, a member of the Rheumatology Service at Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla in Santander (Cantabria), has said that low back pain "is extraordinarily common", to the point that it is "very likely" that practically the entire population will experience some episode at some point in their life.
Even so, he has stressed that "we must be clear that suffering pain does not necessarily mean that there is a serious injury." Coinciding with the observance this Sunday, 15 November, of World Low Back Pain Day, he has reminded that it is estimated that 80 per cent of people will suffer back pain at some point and that one third will experience it again within the space of a year.
Given this reality, the Sociedad Española de Reumatología (SER) has wanted to draw attention to a health problem whose scope goes beyond mere physical discomfort. Low back pain represents a significant personal, social and economic burden, as it is the leading cause of work disability in Spain among those under 50 years of age, with a frequency that could continue to rise in the coming years due to factors such as population ageing, a sedentary lifestyle, excess weight and certain habits linked to work.
The specialist has explained that low back pain "is defined as pain located in the lower part of the back, between the inferior rib margin and the gluteal region", and has specified that "it can occur at any age, although it is more common in middle age, and its causes are very diverse." He has also pointed out that "in most cases, it is non-specific low back pain, that is to say, no single injury or specific disease is identified that explains its onset."
He has also insisted that it is advisable to avoid prolonged bed rest when low back pain appears, since it is essential "to gradually recover one’s usual activity." As he has indicated, "staying active and doing exercise adapted to each person’s possibilities at that moment are two of the fundamental pillars for improving and preventing new episodes", while also emphasizing that "prevention and self-care play an essential role".
Along this line, he has highlighted that "maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, strengthening the muscles of the back and abdomen, and taking care of posture when sitting or lifting objects are some of the recommendations that can help reduce the risk of suffering from low back pain". However, he has warned that "there is no single guideline that is valid for all people", since "exercise must be adapted to the physical situation and the limitations of each patient".
Most cases are not due to a serious pathology
On the other hand, and despite reiterating that most episodes of low back pain do not stem from a serious illness, he has stressed that "it is important to carry out an appropriate assessment when the pain persists, recurs, or limits everyday activities". "Identifying the factors that may be contributing to its occurrence and ruling out possible specific diseases makes it possible to establish the most appropriate approach in each case," he added.
As he explained, "we should not focus solely on getting rid of the pain, but on ensuring that the person recovers their usual activity and can maintain a good quality of life, avoiding new relapses as much as possible", which is why he considers it essential "that the patient takes an active part in their own recovery process".
Finally, the rheumatologist has stressed that the approach "must be individualized" and "can combine different strategies, such as therapeutic exercise, Physiotherapy, education about pain, and changes in lifestyle habits". He has clarified that "medications may be necessary in certain circumstances, but they must be used under healthcare supervision and as part of a broader approach".
In relation to chronic low back pain, he has pointed out that "in cases of chronic low back pain, in addition, the collaboration of different healthcare professionals may be necessary, including specialists in Rheumatology, Rehabilitation, Primary Care, Physiotherapy, or Pain Units", stressing, in line with SER, that not all low back pains have the same origin or require the same type of treatment.