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Lack of Evidence-Based Research for Idiopathic Low Back Pain
The Importance of a Specific Diagnosis
Irwin Abraham, MD;
Brenda Killackey-Jones, MS
Arch Intern Med. 2002;162:1442-1444.
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INTRODUCTION
THE TERMS idiopathic low back pain and nonspecific low back pain (hereinafter idiopathic LBP and nonspecific LBP), which achieved prominence at least 20 years ago, are commonly used to describe the condition of up to 85% of patients for whom a specific diagnosis is said to be impossible. These concepts, the basis of the current national consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of LBP, have been accepted as true without attempts at replication or critical analysis. We find the original studies flawed and inadequate to support the assertions that most LBP cannot be diagnosed. We herein demonstrate that the concept of idiopathic LBP lacks sufficient evidence to remain valid and offer a viable alternative model.
SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM
Idiopathic and nonspecific LBP have emerged as catchall terms for symptoms that elude physicians' diagnostic ability. There are many unresolved questions regarding which diagnoses are truly separate from the . . . [Full Text of this Article]
EVIDENCE FOR IDIOPATHIC LBP
STUDIES FOR SPECIFICITY
CONCLUSION
From the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY (Dr Abraham), and the Department of Kinesiology and Leisure Studies, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind (Ms Killackey-Jones).
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