Non-specific low back pain (LBP) is a common worldwide disorder that significantly impacts productivity, ability to work, and quality of life. As it primarily affects individuals of working age, it is among the leading causes of sick leave and early retirement, with associated economic losses that may reach up to 2% of the gross domestic product in some countries. In addition, LBP treatment usually requires a multidisciplinary approach in which the concept of precision medicine and the adoption of innovative technologies, both related to conservative and surgical strategies, are profoundly revolutionizing the field.
In the new era of personalized medical care, the interest in patient-tailored LBP treatment continues to increase. According to the latest reports, LBP care cannot be based solely on generalized guidelines and protocols but must carefully consider all contributing factors, including occupational, psychosocial, and systemic determinants. Furthermore, the forced sedentary lifestyle and change in work conditions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic have further reshaped this condition's treatment while also proposing new methods to deliver continuous care (e.g., telemedicine).
The present Special Issue offers a unique opportunity to update many of the recent advances and perspectives of this critical health problem. We kindly renew the invitation to submit high-quality research papers on the following topics: prevalence and epidemiological data, etiology, prevention, assessment and treatment approaches, and health promotion strategies for LBP. We particularly welcome new insights into the use of innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence, telemedicine, robotic and navigated surgery, and biosensors in lumbar spine disorders. Articles with substantial implications for practice and high translational potential are particularly well received.
We invite all experts in the field—both clinicians and researchers—to submit their manuscript for consideration in this Special Issue. Papers may differ from literature reviews (systematic reviews and meta-analyses) to original research (clinical trials, cohort studies, experimental lab work, case-control studies).