I’ve had low back pain for 10 years. My doctor calls it CLBD. What is this?

Chronic low back dysfunction (CLBD) is a label for a group of disorders. The causes and symptoms vary from patient to patient. Men and women are affected equally.

Low back pain is a key feature. For some patients, the pain is disabling. More often, the pain is “manageable.” In other words, the pain doesn’t stop the patient from working, engaging in sexual activity, or hobbies.

Weakness of the back muscles is also a major part of this disorder. A major focus of research right now is looking for ways to reduce the painful symptoms of CLBD with muscle strengthening.