Table 1.

The key principles of the ACI model of care for acute low back pain

Principle 1	Assessment: history and examination
Principle 2	Risk stratification
Principle 3	Patient education
Principle 4	Active physical therapy encouraged
Principle 5	Begin with simple analgesic medicines
Principle 6	Judicious use of complex medicines
Principle 7	Cognitive behavioural approach
Principle 8	Only image those with suspected serious spinal pathology
Principle 9	Predetermined times for review
Principle 10	Timely referral and access to specialist services

Source: NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation. Management of people with acute low back pain: model of care. Chatswood: NSW Health, 2016. Available at: https://www.aci.health.nsw.gov.au/resources/musculoskeletal/management-of-people-with-acute-low-back-pain/albp-model.