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Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Low Back Pain: A Multidisciplinary Approach

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Orthopedics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 April 2025) | Viewed by 10291

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Janan Abbas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Physical Therapy, Zefat Academic College, Zefat, Israel
2. Department of Anatomy and Anthropology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
Interests: morphological characterization of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis; low back pain; degenerative lumbar spine disease

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Low back pain (LBP) is considered the most common musculoskeletal syndrome that affects individuals of all ages. It causes a huge economic burden in Western countries. In addition, LBP is the leading worldwide reason for healthcare disability that rises along with an increasing and aging population. It has been well accepted that LBP is a multifactorial entity, comprising anthropometric, environmental, and emotional aspects, that covers a spectrum of different origins of pain. Past studies have demonstrated that 60% of people with LBP will continue to suffer from pain or frequent recurrences one year after its onset.

Despite the huge amount of investigations on the management of LBP, its etiology, pathogenesis, and risk factors are still ambiguous. It is essential to shed light on the risk factors of LBP and their consequences in order to prevent or eliminate its onset. In addition, primary prevention, such as a program for back education and cognitive behavior, as well as promotion for early return-to normal activity is required to reduce its recurrence and chronicity.

This Special Issue provides a good opportunity to share many of the recent advances and perspectives of this medical phenomenon. We welcome all experts in this field to submit their research for consideration for this Special Issue.

Dr. Janan Abbas
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Clinical Medicine is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • epidemiology
  • risk factors
  • intervention
  • prevention strategies
  • management

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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15 pages, 745 KiB  
Article
Do Lumbar Paravertebral Muscle Properties Show Changes in Mothers with Moderate-Severity Low Back Pain Following a Cesarean Birth? A Case–Control Study
by Mohamed G. Ali, Abeer A. Mohammed, Walaa M. Ragab, Hoda M. Zakaria, Reem M. Alwhaibi, Zizi M. Ibrahim and Rehab S. Mamoon
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(3), 719; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14030719 - 23 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 790
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Cesarean birth (CB) is linked to nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP). Different properties of the muscular tissue, including contractile, biomechanical, and viscous properties, may reflect its physiological or pathological condition. This study aimed to measure these properties of lumbar paravertebral muscles [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Cesarean birth (CB) is linked to nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP). Different properties of the muscular tissue, including contractile, biomechanical, and viscous properties, may reflect its physiological or pathological condition. This study aimed to measure these properties of lumbar paravertebral muscles (LPVMs) and their relationship with post-CB mothers with moderate-severity NSLBP and match their measurements to those of the controls. Methods: Sixty women were included in this case–control research. They were divided into two equal groups: Group (A) representing cases, consisted of 30 females who experienced CB and complained of moderate-severity NSLBP, and Group (B) representing controls, consisted of 30 healthy females who had never experienced pregnancy with no or mild-severity NSLBP. Results: The statistical analysis between the two groups yielded significant differences in the right and left LPVMs’ tone (p = 0.002 and 0.015), relaxation time (p = 0.002 and 0.022), and creep (p = 0.013 and 0.008), respectively. On the other side, there were non-significant differences in the right and left LPVMs’ stiffness (p = 0.055 and 0.367) and elasticity (p = 0.115 and 0.231), respectively. The regression analysis’s final model indicated a strong overall performance (Nagelkerke: 1.00). Conclusions: The LPVMs of post-CB mothers with moderate-severity NSLBP showed remarkable changes in both contractile and viscous properties: muscle tone notably decreased, while viscosity increased. However, biomechanical properties like stiffness and elasticity showed negligible changes. This fitted regression analysis illustrated the holistic strong effect of LPVMs’ properties as risk factors contributing to post-CB NSLBP, emphasizing their consideration in diagnosis and intervention strategies for such cases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Low Back Pain: A Multidisciplinary Approach)
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14 pages, 1008 KiB  
Article
Validation of the OPTIMAL-Confidence Questionnaire in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain
by Sonia Nieto-Marcos, María José Álvarez-Álvarez, Iván Antonio Ramón-Insunza, Leonor García-Solís, María Mar Calvo-Arias and Arrate Pinto-Carral
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(1), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14010221 - 2 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1214
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Low back pain is one of the most prevalent pathologies. Several studies relate its chronification to certain psycho-emotional characteristics, such as self-efficacy or the patient’s lack of confidence in the ability to move. Determine the reliability and validity of the OPTIMAL-confidence scale [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Low back pain is one of the most prevalent pathologies. Several studies relate its chronification to certain psycho-emotional characteristics, such as self-efficacy or the patient’s lack of confidence in the ability to move. Determine the reliability and validity of the OPTIMAL-confidence scale in people with chronic low back pain and describe the confidence in the movement capacity of this population. Methods: Design: A validation study was designed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the OPTIMAL-Confidence Questionnaire in a population with chronic low back pain. A descriptive observational study in a population with chronic low back pain and a healthy population was designed to describe the confidence in the movement capacity of the population with chronic low back pain. Settings: Health centers of primary care from a region of northwestern Spain. Participants: The final sample was 122 patients diagnosed with chronic low back pain. The sampling was completed with 30 additional healthy subjects. Instruments: OPTIMAL-confidence questionnaire, Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Chronic Pain Self-efficacy Scale, and ad hoc questionnaire to collect socio-demographic and clinical variables. Results: Cronbach’s alpha for the OPTIMAL-confidence questionnaire was 0.91. The association of OPTIMAL-confidence with the self-efficacy, pain intensity, and movement ability scales was moderate and significant (p < 0.001). Regarding the low back pain population, significant differences were observed in confidence levels according to age and the need for walking aids (p < 0.009). The OPTIMAL-confidence questionnaire also showed significant discrimination between the low back pain group and the no back pain group (p < 0.001). The confidence interval was 95%. Conclusions: The population with low back pain shows less confidence in their ability to perform movements, compared to the general population. OPTIMAL is an instrument that can discriminate between patients who present chronic low back pain and those who do not. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Low Back Pain: A Multidisciplinary Approach)
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10 pages, 391 KiB  
Article
Is Hip Muscle Flexibility Associated with Low Back Pain Among First-Year Undergraduate Students?
by Janan Abbas, Noa Reif and Kamal Hamoud
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(24), 7598; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13247598 - 13 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1831
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Hip muscle lengthening is commonly associated with the normal function of the lumbar spine and lower extremities. Some evidence correlates hamstring and iliopsoas tightness with low back pain (LBP). Undergraduates are more prone to LBP as they are involved in prolonged sitting [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Hip muscle lengthening is commonly associated with the normal function of the lumbar spine and lower extremities. Some evidence correlates hamstring and iliopsoas tightness with low back pain (LBP). Undergraduates are more prone to LBP as they are involved in prolonged sitting and poor posture. This study aims to assess the impact of hip muscle lengthening on LBP. Methods: This article involves a descriptive study of 70 students who were recruited from Zefat Academic College. Measurement of hamstrings and iliopsoas muscle lengthening, as well as a constructive questionnaire, were used. Results: The majority of participants (80% for hamstrings and 96% for iliopsoas) manifested normal muscle lengthening. Muscle flexibility was significantly higher among females. Logistic regression analyses revealed that hamstring lengthening (right) and stress-related study are significantly associated with LBP. Conclusions: The current study indicates that muscle length is female-dependent and right–left muscle length is symmetrical. Increased hamstring length could be related to LBP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Low Back Pain: A Multidisciplinary Approach)
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14 pages, 659 KiB  
Article
The Importance of Mind–Body in Pilates Method in Patients with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain—A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Pablo Vera-Saura, Jesús Agudo-Pavón, Dara María Velázquez-Torres, María Martín-Alemán, Felipe León-Morillas, Aday Infante-Guedes and David Cruz-Díaz
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(16), 4731; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13164731 - 12 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3613
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a prevalent condition causing significant distress and healthcare costs globally. Despite various treatments, effective management remains challenging. Pilates, recognized for its focus on core strength and postural alignment, has emerged as a promising intervention. This [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a prevalent condition causing significant distress and healthcare costs globally. Despite various treatments, effective management remains challenging. Pilates, recognized for its focus on core strength and postural alignment, has emerged as a promising intervention. This study investigates the impact of mind–body in Pilates for directing participants on CNSLBP outcomes. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 67 participants, aged 18 to 65 years, suffering from CNSLBP. They were allocated into two groups: Pilates with mind–body cueing (n = 34) and Pilates without cueing (n = 33). Both groups underwent 60 min sessions twice weekly for 8 weeks. Outcome measures included pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale), functional disability (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire), fear of movement (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia), and adherence (percentage of sessions attended). Statistical significance was determined through repeated measures ANOVA. Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in pain reduction, functional ability, and kinesiophobia. However, the mind–body group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in kinesiophobia compared to the non-cueing group (p = 0.048), indicating the potential additional benefit of mind–body cueing in managing movement-related fear in CNSLBP. Conclusions: This study underscores the effectiveness of an 8-week Pilates intervention in managing CNSLBP, highlighting the added value of mind–body cueing in reducing fear of movement. These findings suggest incorporating mind–body cueing in Pilates could enhance the therapeutic benefits, particularly for patients with high levels of movement-related fear, potentially improving long-term adherence to physical activity and rehabilitation outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Low Back Pain: A Multidisciplinary Approach)
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12 pages, 751 KiB  
Systematic Review
A Systematic Review on the Neuropsychological Assessment of Patients with LBP: The Impact of Chronic Pain on Quality of Life
by Anna Anselmo, Maria Pagano, Irene Cappadona, Davide Cardile, Fabrizio Russo, Alice Laudisio, Giuseppe Francesco Papalia, Angelo Quartarone, Rocco Salvatore Calabrò and Francesco Corallo
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(20), 6149; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13206149 - 15 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2199
Abstract
Background and objective: Low back pain (LBP) is most common pain syndrome in Europe, affecting approximately 50% of European citizens. LBP is a complex condition that negatively affects many aspects of an individual’s life such as work productivity, mobility, and mental health. The [...] Read more.
Background and objective: Low back pain (LBP) is most common pain syndrome in Europe, affecting approximately 50% of European citizens. LBP is a complex condition that negatively affects many aspects of an individual’s life such as work productivity, mobility, and mental health. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of pain associated with chronic LBP on patients’ quality of life. Methods: Clinical studies reviewed in our search with no time restrictions were identified from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases. Of the initial 1929 studies, only 15 met inclusion criteria. Results: Results of our study indicate that chronic pain has a negative impact on numerous functions and areas in which the individual is involved and that this condition leads to reduced performance. Conclusions: LBP is a debilitating condition for patients, negatively affecting quality of life. Future studies should focus on validating a standardized assessment that examines all aspects affected by LBP through a customized questionnaire. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Low Back Pain: A Multidisciplinary Approach)
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