What triggers flare ups during an acute low back pain episode? ….it’s not what you’d think!!

A recent study has shown that triggers for back pain exacerbations include

1. Prolonged sitting (>6 hours)
2. Stress
3. Depression

Most people believe that heavy lifting or physical activities trigger back pain exacerbations. This study found heavy lifting, running, non-contact sport and prolonged standing where not triggers.

They also found that seeing a physiotherapist reduced the risk of a flare up!

Original article:

Suri,P.,et al.(2018). “Do Physical Activities Trigger Flare-ups During an Acute Low Back Pain Episode?: A Longitudinal Case-Crossover Feasibility Study.” Spine43(6):427-433