The role of exercise in the prevention and management of acute low back pain.

The transition from acute pain to chronic pain and onward to disability is burdensome emotionally and financially to individual sufferers, loved ones, employers, and the health care system. Up to 40% of acute low back pain cases can become chronic and lead to disability in some cases. Treatments that reduce risk of chronic pain by successful management of acute low back pain are highly desirable. Prevention of acute low back pain is even more desirable. Exercise has been part of the armamentarium of treating and preventing acute low back pain, especially as a means of avoiding disability. This article critically reviews studies of the role of exercise in the management and prevention of low back pain.