Implementing a biopsychosocial approach

Acute pain in the lower back (low back pain) is a common condition. In primary care, the initial focus is on relieving pain and ruling out “red flags.” A patient-centered approach is recommended, which includes education and counseling. For example, patients should be advised that physical rest is counterproductive in cases of nonspecific back pain. If the use of medication for pain relief is being considered, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be preferred over acetaminophen, as the former have been shown to be more effective than a placebo.