Scientists have analysed patterns in back pain over time, identifying factors that can help better personalise the medication and therapies to treat different patients.
Back pain is among the most frequently reported health problems in the world.
The study, published in the journal Arthritis Care & Research, identifies patient characteristics and the extent of healthcare and medication use (including opioids) associated with different back pain patterns.
The study included a representative sample of the Canadian population that was followed from 1994 to 2011.