The economic burden of low back pain in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: A prevalence-based cost-of-illness analysis from the healthcare provider's perspective.

The economic burden of LBP is high in South Africa. Majority of costs were attributed to CLBP. The outpatient care costs contributed the largest share percent of the total cost. Pain medication was the main intervention strategy, contributing more than half of the total outpatient costs. Measures should be taken to ensure guideline adherence. Focus should also be placed towards development of prevention measures to minimise the cost.