Modern patient management with low back pain
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common pathologies of the musculoskeletal system worldwide. The article presents data on the main causes of LBP (mechanical, non-mechanical and visceral), the importance of differential diagnosis concerning possible causal factors, taking into account the presence of so-called red and yellow flags. The article also notes the fact of increased pain in the lower back and neck revealed in a number of studies in the conditions of COVID-19 and lists the main possible causes of this phenomenon. The expediency of an integrated approach to patient management with acute and chronic LBP, given the principles of evidence-based medicine, is substantiated. Drug therapy means are characterized, and data are presented indicating complex drugs’ efficacy, including those based on NSAIDs with a proven analgesic effect (diclofenac) and B vitamins. The importance of maintaining the physical activity of patients with both acute and chronic LBP and the ability of some non-pharmacological pain therapy methods (manual therapy, Kinesio taping, etc.) to reduce pain and fear of movement are noted. KEYWORDS: low back pain, red flags, differential diagnosis, treatment, NSAIDs, B vitamins. FOR CITATION: Pizova N.V. Modern patient management with low back pain. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2021;5(10):659–667 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2021-5-10-659-667.