Between the lines: a discursive analysis of the non-specific low back pain literature.

Background: The term nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) is often ambiguously defined and inconsistently used in scientific literature. Yet, there is limited discussion and reflection on the meaning of the term and how different meanings influence research and clinical practice. Aim: The aim of this s...

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Publicado en:Physiotherapy Theory & Practice Vol. 41; no. 8; pp. 1647 - 1663
Autores principales: Hebron, Clair, Ekornsaeter, Morten, Mescouto, Karime
Formato: research tables/charts Journal Article
Publicado: Taylor & Francis Ltd Aug2025
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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      dt: Aug2025
      vid: 41
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      pub: Taylor & Francis Ltd
      place: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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        10.1080/09593985.2024.2446530
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        atl: Between the lines: a discursive analysis of the non-specific low back pain literature.
      aug:
        au:
          Hebron, Clair
          Ekornsaeter, Morten
          Mescouto, Karime
        affil: School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
      sug:
        subj:
          Low Back Pain Etiology
          Discourse Analysis
          Medical Literature
          Research, Physical Therapy
          Physical Therapy Practice
          Human
          Conceptual Framework
          Snowball Sample
          Reflection
          Low Back Pain Prevention and Control
          Low Back Pain Physiopathology
          Nervous System Diseases Complications
          Social Factors
          Holistic Care
          Models, Biopsychosocial
          Politics
      ab: Background: The term nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) is often ambiguously defined and inconsistently used in scientific literature. Yet, there is limited discussion and reflection on the meaning of the term and how different meanings influence research and clinical practice. Aim: The aim of this study was to critically analyze the meaning of NSLBP in scientific literature and its consequent influence on research and clinical practice. Methodology and methods Conducting a Foucauldian discourse analysis, we analyzed 24 articles that explicitly discussed the term's meaning. Relevant articles were retrieved through a systematic literature search of six databases, supplemented by snowballing and expert recommendations. Findings: Our analysis identified five distinct discourses analyzing NSLBP: "Biomedical," "Neurocentric," "Rational-Multifactorial," "Complex-Multifactorial," and "NSLBP Otherwise." Conclusion: Each identified discourse was underpinned by unique assumptions that both enable and constrain certain ways of thinking about, researching, and managing NSLBP. Most discourses were individual-centric, guiding a search for causes and solutions within the individual. An exception was the "NSLBP Otherwise Discourse," which enables a more society-centric perspective and encourages alternative views on NSLBP. Given the significant impact of NSLBP and the paucity of substantial breakthroughs in understanding and management, critical reflection on current discourses and their influence on clinical and research practices seem timely. Moreover, considering the present uncertainty surrounding NSLBP, embracing multiplicity could pave the way for a more expansive research agenda.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
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        Journal Article
      ougenre: Unknown
    language: English
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