Complications
Complication
Timeframe
Likelihood
long term
high
Many patients have to take time off work during an episode of acute lower back pain. The longer the period of absence (e.g., 6 months or more), the less likely they are to return to work. This has huge psychosocial and economic implications.[182]
long term
high
Psychiatric comorbidities such as depression, anxiety, and somatisation increase the risk of progression to chronic disabling pain.[62] Psychosocial risk factors for progressing to chronic low back pain are wide-ranging.[34][183]
Available evidence suggests that the clinician should consider consulting psychiatry if mood or anxiety disorders are suspected.
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