A look into the challenges and complexities of managing low back pain in Mexico

ABSTRACT

Low back pain is a global health problem. In Mexico it is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions as well as the leading cause of disability. This review provides an overview of the challenges and complexities of managing low back pain in Mexico. It begins with an explanation of the Mexican healthcare system and an overview of the burden of low back pain. Usual care for low back pain in Mexico is then contrasted with recommended best practice care to highlight common evidence-practice gaps and drivers of poor care. Finally, solutions are proposed based on positive experiences from other countries. Delving into the Mexican health framework and the burden of low back pain will provide a better understanding of why it is important to pay attention to this musculoskeletal disorder. Potential steps required to reduce the burden are also outlined to benefit not only the people suffering from low back pain but also the Mexican economy and society.

KEYWORDS:

• Health care system
• low back pain
• Mexico
• burden
• musculoskeletal disorders

Acknowledgements

Prof Chris Maher is supported by a Principal Research Fellowship from Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council (APP1103022) as well as a Programme grant (APP1113532) and Centre for Research Excellence grant (APP1134856). He has received research grants from various government and not for profit agencies. Flexeze provided heat wraps at no cost for the SHaPED trial that he is an investigator on. His expenses have been covered by professional associations hosting conferences he has spoken at. Giovanni Ferreira is supported by Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), Ministry of Science and Technology, Brazil, with a PhD scholarship.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Principal Research Fellowship from Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council [grant number APP1113532] as well as a Programme grant [grant number APP1113532] and Centre for Research Excellence grant [grant number APP1134856].