Distinguishing between nociceptive and neuropathic components in chronic low back pain using behavioural evaluation and sensory examination

Diagnosis of chronic low back pain (CLBP) is traditionally predicated on identifying underlying pathological or anatomical causes, with treatment outcomes modest at best. Alternately, it is suggested that identification of underlying pain mechanisms with treatments targeted towards specific pain phenotypes may yield more success. Differentiation between nociceptive and neuropathic components of CLBP is problematic; evidence suggests that clinicians fail to identify a significant neuropathic component in many CLBP patients.
Source: Manual Therapy - Category: Physiotherapy Authors: Tags: Original article Source Type: research