Abstract

Estimates suggest that, at any one time, 12–33% of the population have back pain.1 About 5% of a GP's workload involves consultations for the condition,2,3 and around 32% of patients who first present with back pain consult again within 3 months.3 Also, most will still have some pain or disability 1 year after consultation.3 Indeed, patients who have been off work with chronic back pain for 1–2 years are unlikely to return to any form of work in the foreseeable future, whatever treatment they receive.4 Here we discuss the place of non-drug management for patients with the condition.