Lower back pain (LBP) is the most common complaint among patients visiting orthopedic clinics. However, treatment modalities available in Japan vary. The aim of this study was to survey the actual conditions of conservative treatment for LBP in Ehime prefecture. We sent out questionnaires inquiring about conservative treatment for LBP to all (287) orthopedic surgeons in Ehime prefecture, and obtained 144 replies (response rate, 50.2%). Commonly used (more than 90%) treatments for LBP were oral NSAIDs, NSAID plasters, and teaching self-care. Less often used (30-70%) treatments for LBP included muscle relaxants, NSAID suppositories, injection into the trigger point, exercise therapy, and application of a lumbar corset or lumbar traction. We found that exercise therapy was applied for acute and chronic LBP at the same frequency. In the guidelines for LBP, exercise therapy is not indicated for acute cases. Thus, better familiarity with the guidelines for LBP appears to be necessary.
