Clinical Guidelines to Address Low Back Pain: Using the Evidence to Guide Physical Therapist Practice

Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal condition, a leading cause of disability, and one of the costliest medical conditions. Due to the adverse impact of LBP and the rising costs associated with it, there is a great need to implement consistent, evidence-based practice to improve the quality of care for patients suffering from LBP. It is critical that health care practitioners take steps to reduce reliance on pharmacologic interventions, such as opioids, and promote nonpharmacologic interventions for treating and managing LBP. Synthesized and summarized new research in an update to a clinical practice guideline (CPG), published in the November 2021 issue of JOSPT, supports health care providers as they adopt and implement nonpharmacologic interventions. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2021;51(11):533-534. doi:10.2519/jospt.2021.0507.