Literature Review on Prevalence, Risk Factors and, Evaluation of Acute Lower Back Pain

ABSTRACT

Background: Acute back pain is any pain located at the back that lasts for less than 4 weeks duration. Theprevalence is fair with as many as 84% of the adult population around the globe experience back pain at somepoint in life and is often self-limiting. However, in few selected patients it may serve as indicator of a seriousunderlying disease making it crucial to properly evaluate, characterize and address this concern. Objectives: Inthis review we intend to explore the prevalence, risk factors and highlight the available methods using diagnosticimaging modalities to evaluate and address this condition. Materials and Methods: A review of relevant articlespublished from 1987 onwards in English language was done using the electronic databases of PubMed Pico and,Google Scholar with preset keywords. Conclusion: Acute back pain prevalence range between 22 to 48 percentand risk factors are non-modifiable such as advanced age and female gender while modifiable risk factors areobesity, smoking, low education, sedentary lifestyle, etc. Employment related factors such as physically strenuouswork also increase the risk of developing back pain. Notably, under-appreciated risk factors includingpsychological risk factors such as anxiety should be screened for while evaluating patients. Evaluation of backpain mostly relies on comprehensive history and physical examination, as most cases are self-limited. Diagnosticimaging is only recommended in cases presenting with red flag symptoms.