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Review
. 2017 Dec 25;114(51-52):883-890.
doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2017.0883.

Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Jean-François Chenot  1 , Bernhard Greitemann, Bernd Kladny, Frank Petzke, Michael Pfingsten, Susanne Gabriele Schorr
Affiliations
Review

Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Jean-François Chenot et al. Dtsch Arztebl Int. .

Abstract

Background: For many years, low back pain has been both the leading cause of days lost from work and the leading indication for medical rehabilitation. The goal of the German Disease Management Guideline (NDMG) on nonspecific low back pain is to improve the treatment of patients with this condition.

Methods: The current update of the NDMG on non-specific low back pain is based on articles retrieved by a systematic search of the literature for systematic reviews. Its recommendations for diagnosis and treatment were developed by a collaborative effort of 29 scientific medical societies and organizations and approved in a formal consensus process.

Results: If the history and physical examination do not arouse any suspicion of a dangerous underlying cause, no further diagnostic evaluation is indicated for the time being. Passive, reactive measures should be taken only in combination with activating measures, or not at all. When drugs are used for symptomatic treatment, patients should be treated with the most suitable drug in the lowest possible dose and for as short a time as possible.

Conclusion: A physician should be in charge of the overall care process. The patient should be kept well informed over the entire course of his or her illness and should be encouraged to adopt a healthful lifestyle, including regular physical exercise.

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Figures

Figure
Figure
Diagnosis and treatment on initial contact with a physician
eFigure 1
eFigure 1
Flow chart for literature search
eFigure 2
eFigure 2
Diagnosis and treatment of persistent low back pain (at 4 weeks)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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