Chronic low back pain: an interdisciplinary approach between physical therapy and medicine in the management of musculoskeletal pain: A literature review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62827/fb.v26i6.1121

Keywords:

Low Back Pain; Physical Therapy Modalities; Physical Therapy Services; Functional Medicine.

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic low back pain is a multifactorial musculoskeletal condition and one of the leading causes of functional disability in adults. Its management requires an interdisciplinary approach integrating physiotherapy, medical care, and educational strategies, addressing the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence pain perception and chronification. Objective: The impact of interdisciplinary approaches with an emphasis on integration between physical therapy and medicine was analyzed in terms of pain control, functional improvement, and quality of life in patients with chronic low back pain, identifying effective protocols and collaborative care strategies. Methods: A descriptive and analytical literature review was conducted, based on national and international publications retrieved from the Virtual Health Library (BVS), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), PubMed, and Scopus databases. Eleven studies published between 2015 and 2024 were included, selected for their relevance to interdisciplinary management, biopsychosocial approaches, and functional and quality-of-life outcomes in chronic low back pain. Results: Evidence indicates that interdisciplinary programs combining active physiotherapy, postural re-education, motor control exercises, and medical support significantly improve pain, mobility, and physical function. Strategies integrating cognitive functional therapy, pharmacological management, and pain education were shown to reduce disability, medication dependence, and recurrence rates. Active patient participation, family support, and continuity of care—including through telerehabilitation—were decisive in maintaining therapeutic gains. Conclusion: Interdisciplinary collaboration between physiotherapy and medicine is essential for the effective management of chronic low back pain. Individualized, evidence-based protocols focused on functional rehabilitation enhance pain control, restore physical capacity, and improve quality of life. This collaborative model reinforces the importance of professional integration and patient-centered care as key elements in contemporary musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

Author Biographies

  • Maria Luíza de Sales Endringer, UVV

    Graduanda de Medicina pela Universidade Vila Velha (UVV), Vila Velha, ES, Brasil 

  • Isadora Severiano de Souza, UVV

    Graduanda de Medicina pela Universidade Vila Velha (UVV), Vila Velha, ES, Brasil

  • Luma Candian Gundling , UVV

    Graduanda de Medicina pela Universidade Vila Velha (UVV), Vila Velha, ES, Brasil

  • Anna Beatriz de Carvalho Manzoli , UVV

    Graduanda de Medicina pela Universidade Vila Velha (UVV), Vila Velha, ES, Brasil

  • Wilson Sant Anna Lopes Neto , UVV

    Graduando de Medicina pela Universidade Vila Velha (UVV), Vila Velha, ES, Brasil

  • Verônica Góbi Bernabé , UVV

    Graduanda de Medicina pela Universidade Vila Velha (UVV), Vila Velha, ES, Brasil

  • Jean Moschem, UVV

    Graduando de Medicina pela Universidade Vila Velha (UVV), Vila Velha, ES, Brasil

  • Erika Mendes Cypriano, UVV

    Graduanda de Medicina pela Universidade Vila Velha (UVV), Vila Velha, ES, Brasil

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Published

2025-11-28

How to Cite

Chronic low back pain: an interdisciplinary approach between physical therapy and medicine in the management of musculoskeletal pain: A literature review. (2025). Fisioterapia Brasil, 26(6), 2817-2827. https://doi.org/10.62827/fb.v26i6.1121

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