Table 1 Contents of the clinical guidelines applied in this cluster randomised trial

Clinical Practice Guidelines in the Pathology of the Lumbar Spine in Adults

   ▪ Patient education, give reassuring and positive information about the benign nature of LBP, offer written information including specific advice.

   ▪ Advise avoiding bed-rest and encourage the person to be physically active and continue with normal activities as far as possible.

   ▪ Consider offering a structured physical exercise program tailored to personal preferences

   ▪ Physical exercise should be introduced gently at first (walking, cycling, and swimming) and progressively increased in intensity.

   ▪ Recommend attendance at the "Back School" to those patients who have not resumed their daily tasks, after six weeks.

   ▪ Prescribe pharmacological treatment according to the established guidelines