Lumbar FAQs
I've accepted the fact that I have chronic low back pain. When I went to see the doctor for this last bout of back pain the report listed "subacute chronic back pain." What does this new label mean?
Chronic pain is defined differently by different people. For the most part, everyone agrees that pain lasting past the expected time for physical healing is called chronic. Most soft tissue and bone injuries recover in six to eight weeks' time. Factors like poor health, diabetes, and tobacco use can delay normal healing.
According to most research, pain that persists beyond the expected time becomes 'chronic' after three to six months. The doctor's exam must identify whether this is a new (acute) injury or a recurrence of the old injury.
Subacute chronic pain suggests a new episode of back pain that is in the healing phase. Acute means it has recently happened (first one to two weeks). Subacute refers to the period of time from two to six weeks of the recovery process.
References:
Ilse E. J. Swinkels-Meewisse, MSc, et al. Fear of Movement/(Re)Injury Predicting Chronic Disabling Low Back Pain: A Prospective Inception Cohort Study. In Spine. March 15, 2006. Vol. 31. No. 6. Pp. 658-664.| *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. | |
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