What is the natural history of low back pain?
The natural history of low back pain is to improve over a few days to one to two weeks. In fact, 90% of patients report that the pain has subsided by two months without any intervention. However, 40% of patients develop significant recurrent symptoms within six months of the initial onset of symptoms. Fortunately, most recurrences are not disabling but may lead to chronic problems with intermittent episodes of exacerbation. Approximately 10% to 20% of patients who develop low back pain develop significant chronic low back pain, which limits them.
