Clinical Scenario

This protocol applies to adults aged 18 years or over with non-specific low back pain whose symptoms have been present for 6 to 12 weeks. Clinical practice guidelines treat this subacute duration as a distinct phase, separate from acute presentations, and apply a specific evidence-based approach to it.

Treatment Approach

First-line management for this presentation includes a specific class of oral medication as a core pharmacological option.

The complete regimen — including physical and manual therapy components, sequencing, and full options — is in the structured protocol.

References

DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07468-0

CPGs focusing on information regarding the management and/or treatment of non-specific LBP were considered eligible.
The CPG concerned adult populations (18 years or over).
Eight of the guidelines characterised acute and subacute LBP as having a duration of less than 12 weeks but without specific cutoff points to distinguish between the two.
For subacute LBP, the guidelines recommended the use of NSAIDs, therapeutic exercise, staying active, and spinal manipulation.
Recommendations about the prescription of NSAIDs remain consistent, and most guidelines recommend it as the first or second option.
Spinal manipulation and spinal mobilization were often used interchangeably.

View source ↗

Treatment of Non-Specific Low Back Pain in Adults Aged 18 and Over — Subacute Phase (6 to 12 Weeks)