title: An evidence-based diagnostic classification system for low back pain.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  While clinicians generally accept that musculoskeletal low back pain (LBP) can arise from specific tissues, it remains difficult to confirm specific sources.
  
  
  METHODS
  Based on evidence supported by diagnostic utility studies, doctors of chiropractic functioning as members of a research clinic created a diagnostic classification system, corresponding exam and checklist based on strength of evidence, and in-office efficiency.
  
  
  RESULTS
  THE DIAGNOSTIC CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM CONTAINS ONE SCREENING CATEGORY, TWO PAIN CATEGORIES: Nociceptive, Neuropathic, one functional evaluation category, and one category for unknown or poorly defined diagnoses. Nociceptive and neuropathic pain categories are each divided into 4 subcategories.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This article describes and discusses the strength of evidence surrounding diagnostic categories for an in-office, clinical exam and checklist tool for LBP diagnosis. The use of a standardized tool for diagnosing low back pain in clinical and research settings is encouraged.
authors.affiliation: Palmer College of Chiropractic, Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, 5433 Bryant Ave, South Minneapolis, MS 55419; dr.potocki@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vining
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Potocki
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Seidman
authors.forename: A Paige
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Morgenthal
keywords: chiropractic; diagnosis; evidence-based; low back pain