Chronic low back pain is defined as pain that persists for more than 12 weeks and often requires medical intervention; it affects 15% to 20% of people in the U.S. as of 2020. It can severely affect social and work life, mobility, and self-care, and an estimated 8.2% of individuals experience severe cases.

Chronic low back pain can occur with various symptoms, including pain in the low back region, potential numbness or tingling in the legs, and severe mobility impairment. Immediate attention is required if there is a loss of bowel or bladder function or fever.

Chronic low back pain is diagnosed through a medical history evaluation and physical exams, and imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs are used only if neurological issues are suspected. Early imaging is generally discouraged due to inconclusive results and a potential increase in unnecessary surgeries, whereas additional tests like EMG and blood tests may be conducted to rule out other conditions or infections.

Chronic low back pain is a symptom that may require various treatments depending on its specific causes, which can range from medication like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids to nondrug therapies such as physical therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. In cases of severe pain, referrals to specialists for potential surgical evaluation or epidural steroid injections may be necessary.

Several supplements have been studied for chronic low back pain, including vitamin D, amino acids, vitamin B12, alkaline minerals, and collagen peptides with vitamin C. Additionally, various herbal remedies such as devil’s claw, white willow bark, comfrey root extract, lavender essential oils, cayenne, and Solidago chilensis have also been researched.

Diet may influence chronic low back pain; unhealthy diets and smoking negatively affect pain levels, whereas certain dietary patterns could reduce inflammation. Although some studies suggest associations between protein intake and lower pain levels, more high-quality research is needed to establish definitive links between diet and chronic low back pain.

Chronic low back pain can be challenging to treat, and various alternative treatments have shown differing levels of success, including spinal cord stimulation, electrical brain stimulation, and interferential current electrotherapy. Complementary interventions such as acupuncture, yoga, massage therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction are also commonly used to manage this condition.

Chronic low back pain can be nonspecific, which makes it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause, but it can arise from various specific conditions such as irritation of the spinal cord or nerve roots, vertebral fractures, inflammatory disorders, spinal infections, cancerous growths, poor joint mobility, facet osteoarthritis, and degeneration of spinal discs. In many cases, the specific cause of the pain remains unidentified.