- Although this classification is necessary for scientific studies, it may not be useful in clinical practice
o The limits for the groups have not been standardized. For example:
- Sub acute is sometimes combined with the acute category (i.e. acute is sometimes classed as a duration of less than 12 weeks).
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Sub acute is sometimes combined with the chronic category (i.e. chronic is sometimes classed as a duration of more than 6 weeks).
o Classification as acute or chronic is a substantial simplification of reality, and can be misleading because:
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Low back pain treatments tend to follow a course that fluctuates over days, weeks, and months. It is thus not always possible to distinguish between a new acute event and an exacerbation of a chronic process.
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Chronic pain and disability often seem to become dissociated from the original physical problem.
