Open AccessModel Simulations Challenge Reductionist Research Approaches to Studying Chronic Low Back Pain
Author(s) -
Jacek Cholewicki,
Pramod K. Pathak,
N. Peter Reeves,
John M. Popovich
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
the journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy/journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.367
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1938-1344
pISSN - 0190-6011
DOI - 10.2519/jospt.2019.8791
Subject(s) - reductionism , medicine , low back pain , psychological intervention , physical therapy , alternative medicine , pathology , psychiatry , philosophy , epistemology
Traditionally, low back pain (LBP) is studied using a reductionist approach, in which the factors contributing to the clinical presentation of LBP are studied in isolation to identify the primary pathology or condition linked to LBP. We argue that reductionism may not be suitable for studying LBP, considering the complex, multifactorial nature of this condition.