Researchers—led by Dr Giovanni Ferreira at the University of Sydney’s School of Public Health and the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health—surveyed 2025 adults in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States with acute LBP, collecting both demographic and clinical characteristics.

Acute LBP was defined as lasting no longer than six weeks in duration. The survey also included an open- ended question to elicit participants’ concerns about their LBP.

Analysis of the data showed that approximately 60 per cent of participants reported having at least one concern about their LBP.

Five themes encompassing 34 unique concerns were identified, including the causes (19 per cent), future consequences (19 per cent), psychosocial consequences (14 per cent), physical consequences (10 per cent) and health consequences (four per cent).

Participants who expressed concerns were more likely to be university educated.

In addition, those who had previously received advice for LBP had back pain that interfered more with their daily activities, more intense pain or higher anxiety symptoms and were more likely to express concerns about their LBP.

The researchers said that the results of the study could help to refine guidelines and recommendations about reassurance as well as improve upon educational resources for LBP.

Lam et al. People with acute low back pain have concerns that may not be addressed by guideline-recommended advice: a mixed- methods study. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2024(54:9) doi: 10.2519/jospt.2024.12571