Review: patients with acute low back pain and associated disability improve substantially within 1 monthAcute low back pain: systematic review of its prognosis.

  • Shekelle, Paul MD, PhD (commentator)
  • Pengel, LM
  • Herbert, RD
  • Maher, C
  • et al,

  • General Internal Medicine Greater Los Angeles Veterans Administrative Health Care System Santa Monica, California, USA

Pengel LM, Herbert RD, Maher C, et al. Acute low back pain: systematic review of its prognosis. BMJ 2003;327:323–5.PengelLMHerbertRDMaherCet alAcute low back pain: systematic review of its prognosis.BMJ2003327323-5Q What is the natural and clinical course of acute low back pain, and what are the prognostic factors that influence this course?

For correspondence: Dr R D Herbert, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, NSW, Australia. [email protected]

Sources of funding: National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia and Australasian Physiotherapy Low Back Pain Trial Consortium.

Evidence Based Medicine 9(1):p 27, February 2004.
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