Review

Low Back Pain

JAMA 10.1001/jama.2026.9631

June 15, 2026 at 11:05 AM EDT

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Low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Acute nonspecific low back pain is often self-limited, whereas chronic nonspecific low back pain has a less favorable prognosis. For patients with acute nonspecific low back pain, first-line treatments include selected nonpharmacological therapies and medications (such as NSAIDs and skeletal muscle relaxants). For patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain, first-line treatment consists of exercise, psychological therapies (such as cognitive behavioral therapy), and combined multidisciplinary care.

Corresponding Author: James H. McAuley, PhD, Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia, 139 Barker St, Sydney 2031, Australia (j.mcauley@neura.edu.au).

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