BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Low back pain is a problem that affects 80% of adults at some point in life, it is among the top 10 primary causes of consultation with internists and, every year, workers are absent from work for more than seven days due to this disease, causing a great impact in productivity and economy. The objective of this study was to provide the clinician working at the primary care with an adequate approach to the patient with chronic low back pain, emphasizing the differential diagnosis of this disease.

CONTENTS:

The etiological characterization of low back pain is a process that requires a propaedeutic approach that includes the clinical history, physical and complementary exams. The approach to low back pain of mechanical origin, and others less common such as those with a neuropathic component or resulting from inflammation, infection or neoplasia was developed, based on the literature.

CONCLUSION:

The diagnosis of low back pain is essential, yet challenging for the primary care physician. Most patients with back pain can be treated at the primary care setting, provided that the GP has the proper knowledge to elaborate the differential diagnosis of this disease.

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