Comparative Effectiveness of Early Physical Therapy Versus Usual Care for Low Back Pain

Initial management for all patients will include an activity-limiting profile for up to 30 days and a 10-day supply of medications if needed (NSAIDs and muscle relaxers). All patients will then receive advice and education about the favorable natural history of LBP and the advantages of remaining as active as possible. All patients will be recommended to follow-up with their primary care provider using normal procedures if they are not satisfied with their progress.

Patients in the early PT group will receive the same treatment as the usual care group, but will then be referred to physical therapy within 3 days. The physical therapy treatment will be based on the Treatment Based Classification system (an approach that places patients into either an extension-oriented, core strength/stabilization, or a spinal manipulation treatment group based on signs and symptoms).