O PAPEL DO FISIOTERAPEUTA NO MANEJO DA DOR LOMBAR NA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA À SAÚDE: UMA REVISÃO NARRATIVA BASEADA EM EVIDÊNCIAS

Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is a global public health problem with a high prevalence and socio-economic impact. In Brazil, the Unified Health System (SUS), through Primary Health Care (PHC), is strategic for its management, with physiotherapists working to identify warning signs and treat non-specific LBP. Methods: This is a narrative literature review that synthesizes evidence on the role of physiotherapists in the management of LBP in PHC, with a focus on the SUS context. The findings were organized into three axes: therapeutic arsenal, health education and gaps between evidence and practice. Discussion: Therapeutic exercise forms the basis of treatment, complemented by manual therapy and behavioral and psychological interventions. Risk stratification, such as the STarT Back tool, optimizes resources and directs conduct. Health education, centered on demystifying pain, self-management and therapeutic communication, is fundamental for patient autonomy. The implementation of these strategies, however, faces systemic barriers (underfunding, poor infrastructure), professional barriers (biomedical training) and barriers from the patients themselves (health literacy, social vulnerabilities). Strategies such as crisis action plans, group care and the engagement of community agents have emerged as viable and cost-effective alternatives. Conclusion: Despite the challenges, PHC offers unique attributes, such as bonding and territorialization, which favor innovative practices. The multifaceted work of physiotherapists is essential for comprehensive, resolutive and sustainable care for non-specific LBP in the SUS.