Overdiagnosis and overtreatment of low back pain: Long-term effects

Low back pain and subsequent disability remain a concern in terms of both cost and impact upon industry let alone the adverse effects on the patients involved. The causes of low back pain remain elusive. There has been extensive focus on the intervertebral disc with treatment ranging from passive modalities to multiple surgery. Current experience suggests that misinformation, inadequate patient examination, medication abuse, over use of passive modalities, focus on pain rather than function and excessive reliance on radiological imaging and specialist referrals are contributing factors. Indeed, one is drawn to the conclusion that low back disability may well be an iatrogenic disorder in many cases.