Pre-existing conditions are problems that are typically related to the problem at hand, that may change the way we understand the onset of a problem. For example, if you have previously sprained your low back, then a new sprain of your lumbar spine might be a chronic reoccurrence, as opposed to an acute new injury. Pre-existing conditions are important considerations as to the speed and way a problem may recover. It is very important that you provide the prior history of a complaint – even if something seems like it is “new”. While insurance considerations for “pre-existing conditions” sometimes arise, not providing the provider with all of the information may affect your safety and the efficacy (effectiveness) of a treatment.