Navigating Low Back Pain: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Diagnosis, Management, and Education

Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability globally, with substantial socioeconomic impacts, including reduced productivity and increased healthcare costs. Most LBP cases are nonspecific and benign, but a thorough assessment is necessary to rule out serious underlying conditions such as infections, tumors, and fractures. This article reviews common etiologies, including mechanical back pain, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis, and discusses both urgent and nonurgent spinal pathologies. Emphasis is placed on the role of non-operative spine clinics, which coordinate multidisciplinary care to improve outcomes and reduce unnecessary interventions and imaging. Conservative management for acute and chronic non-specific LBP focuses on patient education, exercise, and physical therapy. Evidence suggests that early education on spinal health and appropriate care pathways can significantly reduce surgery rates, enhance patient satisfaction, and improve long-term outcomes.