title: [Back pain--how to prevent disability. Planning for graduated therapy].
abstract: Early detection and prevention of chronicity is of prime importance. In the acute phase of the condition, this involves the use of a range of simple diagnostic measures, the aim of which is to search for possible warning signs of a serious disorder with a specific cause. If the patient's complaints are unspecific, a rapid return to his/her usual daily activities should be the aim, supported by patient instruction and management of pain. When the patient's complaints persist for more than 4 weeks, a more comprehensive diagnostic work-up is indicated, with the aim of establishing the underlying cause of persisting problems. In addition to a renewed search for specific causes, this includes the identification of psychosocial factors that might be impediments to the return of the patient to his/her usual activities. For further diagnostic and therapeutic considerations, these points require particular attention.
authors.affiliation: Psychiatrische Universitätspoliklinik, Basel/Schweiz.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Keel
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D001416:Back Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy