So now that we have discussed that the prevalence of low back pain is fairly common, let’s take a look at the natural course and prognosis of low back pain. First, we need to recognize that there are two different time frames to consider for back pain, acute and chronic. Generally, we define acute back pain as back pain that has lasted less than 3 months, and chronic low back pain as back pain that has lastly longer than 3 months. We know that up to 80% of people will have an episode of acute low back pain in the world.
One study looked at time off work for measurement of prognosis of low back pain and found that 50% of people with back pain returned to work after 2 weeks and 83% of people returned to work in 3 months. From this we can see that if you have had an acute episode of back pain, you are most likely going to get better in 3 months. Odds are in your favor that just naturally over time things will get better, and although many studies have found varying percentages, the average tends to be that 3/4th of people will get better and 1/4th will have chronic back pain or recurring episodes of low back pain.
So, what do we take away from this information? I look at it as a half glass empty or glass half full scenario. Except this time, one of the glass is three-fourths full and the other is a quarter full. I think maintaining a positive and hopeful attitude that you are most likely going to get better is the most helpful thing that you can do for your back pain. And even if you are the one in four that develops chronic low back pain, another study found that 1/3 of these people end up becoming pain free and recovering their function. So now if you take 1/3 of 25% and add it to the 3/4th you get… well…never mind the math. Just enjoy looking at your glass being mostly full!