Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common reasons cited by patients seeking medical help, and it is a leading cause of time off work and long term disability. Causes of back pain are complex and many health care professionals devote a substantial amount of their time dealing with it. The initiating event leading to back pain is often compounded by other factors leading to maladaptive behaviour and prolongation of pain. This pocketbook will summarise the current literature on management ofback pain and provide evidence-based, practical guidelines for clinicians.

Dr Sam Chong (ed), is Consultant Neurologist, The Medway Hospital NHS Trust Gillingham, Kent and Kings College Hospital London


Dr Roman Cregg (ed), is Consultant in Pain Management, West Sussex Primary Care Trust


Dr Andrew Souter (ed), is Consultant in Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine. Royal United Hospitals NHS Trust, Bath, UK

1. Epidemiology of Back Pain, Dr John Lee
2. Early Assessment and Triage of Patients with Back Pain, Sarah Ferguson
3. Anatomy and pathophysiology of back pain, Dr Naomi Sibtain, Dr Roman Cregg, Dr Alastair Purves
4. Investigation of patients with back pain, Dr Naomi Sibtain, Dr Roman Cregg, Dr Alastair Purves
5. Physical approaches to the management of back pain: I. Physiotherapy, Miss Sarah Ferguson
6. Physical approaches to the management of back pain: II. Manipulative therapy, Jonathan Field, Dr Dawn Carnes
7. Physical approaches to the management of back pain: III. Acupuncture and TENS, Dr. Cummings
8. Physical approaches to the management of back pain: IV TENs, Fran Hall
9. Psychology and pain management approach, Dr Mike Osborn, Dr Anna Mandeville, Dr Kate Ridout
10. Pharmacotherapy of back pain, Dr Lesley Bromley, Dr Birgitta Brandner
11. Invasive therapies for back pain, Dr Tom Smith and Dr Adnan Alkaisy
12. The role of surgery in back pain, David Bell
13. Management of patients with failed back pain, Dr Joan Hester
14. Rehabilitation and return to normal function, Priyan Landham
15. Overview of back pain and its future management, Dr Sam Chong, Dr Roman Cregg