In 2013, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which included sprains and strains from repetitive motion, accounted for 33% of all nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses (U.S. Department of Labor [USDOL], 2014). Nursing assistants …show more content…
It can be further described as acute (usually self-limiting; less than a month), subacute (between 2 and 3 months) and chronic (greater than 3 months) (Delitto et al, 2012). Although LBP is not a disease per se, it can, nevertheless, be a difficult and complex disorder to manage. Non-specific LBP can challenge or vex even the most seasoned medical clinician. Manchikanti and Hirsch (2015) points to LBP as “a multifactorial disorder with many possible etiologies, risk factors and co-morbidities."
Common etiologies seen in the vast majority of patients with LBP include lumbar strains/sprains, disc herniation, or degenerative conditions, such as lumbar osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, and spondylolysis to name a few (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke [NINDS] “Low Back Pain,” 2014). However, there will be a small percentage of patients, whose back pain could be indicative of something serious, such as spinal infection, cancerous tumor, cauda equina syndrome, compression fractures and abdominal aortic aneursym (Delitto et al.,