Table 1 Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria

• consulting for low back pain

• age 20 to 60 years

• German language proficiency

• ability to give informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• treatment for the present low back pain episode for more than 3 months

• severe co-morbidity (cardiovascular, metabolic, inflammatory disease or tumors)

• back pain of specific origin, e.g. ankylosing spondylitis

• prior spine surgery

• specialized pain treatment or rehabilitation for low back pain within the last 5 years

• ongoing early retirement or pension claim

• poor general condition

• severe pain during night or rest

• signs of radiculopathy like numbness, muscle weakness, loss of reflexes