Table 1.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria	• consulting for low back pain
	• age 20 to 60 years
	• German language proficiency
	• ability to give informed consent
Exclusion criteria	• treatment for the present low back pain episode for more than 3 months
	• severe co-morbidity (cardiovascular, metabolic, inflammatory disease or tumors)
	• back pain of specific origin, e.g. ankylosing spondylitis
	• prior spine surgery
	• specialized pain treatment or rehabilitation for low back pain within the last 5 years
	• ongoing early retirement or pension claim
	• poor general condition
	• severe pain during night or rest
	• signs of radiculopathy like numbness, muscle weakness, loss of reflexes