AAPT Diagnostic Criteria for Chronic Low Back Pain

Area of Science:

• Pain Medicine
• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a leading global cause of disability.
• Existing classifications lack a comprehensive, multidimensional approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop evidence-based diagnostic criteria for CLBP syndromes.
• To establish a multidimensional classification framework for CLBP.

Main Methods:

• Convened a working group under the ACTTION-APS Pain Taxonomy (AAPT) initiative.
• Identified three distinct CLBP syndromes: axial, radicular, and neurogenic claudication.
• Organized the classification using the AAPT multidimensional framework.

Main Results:

• The AAPT framework includes core diagnostic criteria, common features, comorbidities, consequences, and mechanisms.
• Three CLBP syndromes identified: axial predominant musculoskeletal low back pain, chronic lumbosacral radicular pain, and neurogenic claudication.
• This classification provides a structured approach to understanding CLBP.

Conclusions:

• The developed AAPT classification offers a multidimensional diagnostic framework for CLBP.
• This evidence-based system addresses the public health burden of CLBP across the lifespan.
• The framework facilitates a deeper understanding of CLBP mechanisms and risk factors.