Evaluating and managing low back pain in primary care.

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most frequent patient complaints in primary care. Common LBP diagnoses include nonspecific LBP, radicular pain, lumbar-disk herniation, spinal infection, and ankylosing spondylitis. A thorough history and physical exam are imperative. LBP treatment is multifactorial and blends pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches.