Copyright
©2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Rheumatol. Nov 12, 2014; 4(3): 54-61
Published online Nov 12, 2014. doi: 10.5499/wjr.v4.i3.54
Published online Nov 12, 2014. doi: 10.5499/wjr.v4.i3.54
Diagnosis and pharmacologic management of neuropathic pain among patients with chronic low back pain
Ferdi Yavuz, The Clinic of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Military Hospital of Etimesgut, 06790 Ankara, Turkey
Umut Guzelkucuk, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, TAF Rehabilitation Centre, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, 06790 Ankara, Turkey
Author contributions: Guzelkucuk U performed the review of literature; Yavuz F written and revised the article.
Correspondence to: Ferdi Yavuz, MD, The Clinic of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Military Hospital of Etimesgut, The Street of Erler, 06790 Ankara, Turkey. ferdiyavuz@yahoo.com
Telephone: +90-312-3461311 Fax: +90-312-2911009
Received: June 1, 2014
Revised: September 28, 2014
Accepted: October 14, 2014
Published online: November 12, 2014
Revised: September 28, 2014
Accepted: October 14, 2014
Published online: November 12, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: Neuropathic component of chronic low back pain has often been under-recognized and under-treated by the physicians. Recent studies have demonstrated that approximately 20%-55% of chronic low back pain patients have neuropathic pain symptoms. The clinical examination including bedside sensory tests is still the best available tool for assessment and diagnosis neuropathic pain among patients with chronic low back pain. Combination therapy including drugs with different mechanisms of action should be given to the patients with chronic low back pain.