Lumbar FAQs

My mother has had back pain off and on for 10 years or more. Her pain and disability is getting worse over time. Is this normal?

Some say "normal" is only a setting on your dryer. In the case of chronic back pain some people learn to manage their symptoms over time. Others become more and more distressed and disabled.Scientists aren't sure why this is so. Are there genetic factors? Do some people have a different "hard wiring" so-to-speak for pain? Are there certain psychosocial reasons why one person recovers while another gets worse? There's no doubt that psychologic and emotional factors play a part.Studies show that for the 10 percent of back pain patients who develop chronic pain, distress and disability is common.

References:

Mark Laslett, PT, DipMT, DipMDT, et al. Centralization as a Predictor of Provocation Discography Results in Chronic Low Back Pain, and the Influence of Disability and Distress on Diagnostic Power. In The Spine Journal. July/August 2005. Vol. 5. No. 4. Pp. 370-380.

*Disclaimer:* The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.
	All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Medical Multimedia Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Medical Multimedia Group, LLC and used herein by permission.

« Return to FAQ index