Back on track: chronic low back pain rehabilitation in primary care

One in five people with low back pain develop chronic symptoms (≥3 months). A combination of biological, psychological and social factors appear to play an underlying role. Treatment guidelines therefore recommend a treatment plan that focuses on existing biopsychosocial factors. This dissertation found that biopsychosocial treatment in primary physiotherapy practice is no more effective than standard physiotherapy for people with chronic low back pain who have biopsychosocial factors that play a minimal role in their daily functioning. Biopsychosocial treatment proved to be more effective and more feasible for patients who were more strongly influenced by these factors when offered as part of a primary care trajectory coordinated by a rehabilitation doctor.