Importantly, in low back pain, the duration of the first episode has been positively associated with the probability of recurrence, with each recurrence marked by increasing severity and disability. This suggests that what happens during the first or incident episode may have a significant influence on the occurrence and severity of subsequent episodes and the development of long-term disability.
Low back pain is among the most commonly diagnosed conditions, affecting on average 80% of people at one point in their lives. Whether it is a mild annoying ache or severe debilitating pain, low back pain plagues the lives of millions of people around the world.