Low Back Pain in Primary Care: A Narrative Review of Occupational, Clinical, and Family Community Factors

Abstract

Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint that may limit mobility, work performance, and daily activities. This narrative review summarizes the definition, clinical presentation, occupational and behavioral risk factors, primary-care assessment, conservative management, and family–community considerations of low back pain, while integrating an illustrative community-medicine case from the source report. The patient was a 54-year-old woman who worked as a beautician and had longstanding intermittent stabbing low back pain radiating to the hips and legs. Symptoms were aggravated by prolonged sitting, prolonged walking, and morning activity, and were relieved by rest or medication. Neurological and autonomic findings were reported as normal, provocative tests were negative, and no laboratory or imaging examinations were performed. Occupational exposure to prolonged sitting, repetitive activity, and heavy physical tasks was prominent. Management included generic pharmacotherapy, advice on medication adherence, ergonomic posture, healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, trigger avoidance, and follow-up. Family support was favorable; the source report documented a Family APGAR score of 10 and good SCREEM domains. Overall, low back pain in primary care should be approached through clinical assessment, occupational risk modification, patient education, and attention to family and community context.