Table 1.

Treatment-based classification subgroups with identification criteria and treatment approaches for patients with low back pain.^a

Subgroup Criteria	Treatment Approach
Manipulation subgroup
No symptoms distal to knee Duration of symptoms < 16 days Lumbar hypomobility FABQW < 19 Hip internal rotation ROM > 35°	Manipulation techniques for the lumbopelvic region Active lumbar ROM exercises
Stabilization subgroup
Age (< 40 years) Average SLR ROM (> 91°) Aberrant movement present FABQW < 19 Positive prone instability test	Exercises to strengthen large spinal muscles (eg, erector spinae, oblique abdominals) Exercises to promote contraction of deep spinal muscles (eg, lumbar multifidus, transversus abdominis)
End-range loading exercise subgroup
Extension
Symptoms distal to the buttock  Symptoms centralize with lumbar extension  Symptoms peripheralize with lumbar flexion  Directional preference for extension	End-range extension exercises Mobilization to promote extension Avoidance of flexion activities
Flexion
Older age (> 50 years)  Directional preference for flexion  Imaging evidence of lumbar spine stenosis	End-range flexion exercises Mobilization or manipulation of the spine and/or lower extremities Exercise to address impairments of strength or flexibility Body weight–supported ambulation
Traction subgroup
Symptoms extend distal to the buttock(s) Signs of nerve root compression are present Peripheralization with extension movement OR positive crossed SLR test is present	Prone mechanical traction Extension specific exercise activities

^aFABQW, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire–Work subscale; ROM, range of motion; SLR, straight-leg raise. Adapted with permission from Hebert et al.⁶¹