ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we will discuss the possibilities for the prevention of low back pain (LBP) and disability due to LBP from a biomechanical perspective. We will focus on LBP with unknown causes, as in the large majority of cases of LBP, standard diagnostic techniques do not reveal specifi c causes. Aspecifi c LBP is not exclusively a biomechanical problem and from that perspective, we can only give a partial account of the state of knowledge with respect to LBP and its prevention. However, mechanical loading of the low back has been shown to be a risk factor for LBP and mechanical loading often provokes pain in patients with LBP. Therefore, insight into the mechanics of the low back can help to design and optimize preventive measures. Finally, we will give an overview of the epidemiologic evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions aiming at primary prevention of LBP.
