The Management of Low Back Pain in Adults

Version History

Citation

Suggested citation style:

Ministry of Public Health Qatar. National Clinical Guideline: The Management of Low Back Pain in Adults (2020).

Abbreviations

The abbreviations used in this guideline are as follows:

CT Computed Tomography

DEXA Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan

FABER Flexion, Abduction, External Rotation Test

MDT Multidisciplinary Team

MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging

NSAIDs Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

PENS Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Simulation

PLSS Post Lumbar Surgery Syndrome

SNRIs Serotonin–Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors

SSRIs Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

TENS Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Simulation

1 - Information about this Guideline

1.1 Objective and Purpose of the Guideline

The purpose of this guideline is to define the appropriate diagnosis and management of low back pain in adults. The objective is to guide the appropriate assessment, investigation, diagnosis, treatment, and referral of patients presenting to provider organisations in Qatar. It is intended that the guideline will be used by healthcare professionals in both primary care and specialist settings.

1.2 Scope of the Guideline

This guideline covers the following aspects of care:

Clinical presentation, assessment, investigation, and management of low back pain presenting in adults.
Common causes of low back pain
Referral criteria to Specialist Care.