There is no such thing as "non-specific back pain"

Author

Stuart McGill

Key messages

• A thorough assessment will identify the cause of pain in terms of offending motions, postures and loads.
• Studies on non-specific back pain are not helpful just as studies on non-specific head pain would not be helpful, nor tolerated.
• A specific diagnosis will guide each person on what to not do and what to do.

Implications for the prevention of MSD

• Remove cause of the disorder; wind down central sensitization, allow tissue to heal
• Put corrective and therapeutic exercise in place
• Stabilize and mobilize targeted areas
• Enhance endurance, strength and some power generating ability at the hips and shoulders if occupational demand is present