Table 1.
Key messages identified for reinforcement throughout the website.
| Thematic area and key message | Expert rank | Patient rank | |
| Stay active |
|
|
|
|
|
Bed rest for more than a day or two is not good | 14 | 22 |
|
|
Do not take back pain lying down | 19 | 25 |
|
|
Staying active helps prevent long-term back problems | 5 | 8 |
|
|
When you have back pain, carry on with normal activities as far as possible | 2 | 24 |
|
|
When you have back pain, staying active is important. You need to pace yourself to return to your usual activities | 1 | 5 |
| Unnecessary investigations |
|
|
|
|
|
Blood tests are usually not needed in the majority of cases of LBPa | 29 | 28 |
|
|
CTb scans have little use in diagnosing back problems, and caution should be exercised because of the large amount of radiation involved with their use | 22 | 30 |
|
|
Imaging (eg, x-ray, CT scan, or magnetic resonance imaging) is usually not needed in the majority of cases of LBP, particularly when your pain has been present for less than 6 weeks. Talk to your doctor about this | 10 | 21 |
|
|
X-rays will not highlight the cause of pain in most cases, unless a fracture is suspected | 12 | 27 |
| Principles Mxc |
|
|
|
|
|
Health practitioners can assist in screening for causes of back pain | 30 | 15 |
|
|
If you have any further questions to ask your health practitioner, write them down and discuss them at your next visit | 28 | 9 |
|
|
Persistent LBP is influenced by a number of factors—physical, emotional, and environmental; it is important to address each of these areas | 18 | 6 |
|
|
Staying positive is important. Help is available | 21 | 13 |
|
|
Take ownership of your own well-being | 20 | 20 |
|
|
Work toward returning to your usual activities, with guidance from your health practitioner | 16 | 7 |
|
|
Work with your health practitioner to address your concerns | 26 | 10 |
|
|
Work with your health practitioners to manage your back pain | 27 | 11 |
|
|
Work with your health care team to set goals | 25 | 16 |
| Disease knowledge |
|
|
|
|
|
In around 95% of cases, it is not possible to pinpoint the cause of back pain | 23 | 29 |
|
|
LBP may happen again over time | 24 | 19 |
| Reassurance |
|
|
|
|
|
In most cases of recent onset back pain, the pain will get better in several weeks; however, this varies from person to person | 7 | 14 |
|
|
It is normal to worry about the cause of your back pain and the impact it may have on you | 17 | 12 |
|
|
It is not necessary to know the specific cause of your back pain to manage the pain effectively | 13 | 23 |
|
|
It is rare for LBP to be caused by a more serious health problem | 9 | 26 |
|
|
Most people find that their back pain settles down over a short period of time. If your back pain persists and is worrying you, consult a health professional | 6 | 4 |
|
|
Most people have pain in their low back at some stage in their lives | 11 | 18 |
|
|
Your pain may not necessarily be related to the extent of damage in your back. Hurt does not necessarily mean harm | 3 | 17 |
| Red flag |
|
|
|
|
|
You should see a health practitioner if you have back pain and any of the following: pain that spreads down 1 or both legs: a fever, recent invasive procedure (eg, surgery), recent significant trauma, unexplained weight loss, and history of cancer | 8 | 3 |
|
|
You should see a health practitioner urgently if you have back pain and either of the following: bladder and/or bowel disturbance or significant leg muscle weakness | 4 | 1 |
|
|
You should see your health practitioner if your back pain is severe and it is worrying you, if you are having difficulty managing your back pain, or if your pain is getting worse | 15 | 2 |
aLBP: low back pain.
bCT: computerized tomography.
cMx: management.