Table 1 Components of Targeted Treatment

Low, medium and high risk groups (30-minute structured intervention)

• Evidence-based assessment of LBP presentations, according to current guidelines.

• Advice on back care emphasising positive messages about activity, pain relief and work.

• Patients are given a copy of "The Back Book" [35] and see a 15-minute video based on The Back Book entitled "Get Back Active" [36].

Medium and high risk groups

• Treatment according to STarT Back assessment and treatment algorithms and STarT Back physiotherapy manual.

• Evidence-based physiotherapy techniques addressing 'signs and symptoms' in non-specific LBP presentations, according to current recommendations from guidelines and high quality clinical trials.

• Evidence-based advice, education and reassurance for symptoms and management, according to guidelines and current literature within the biopsychosocial model.

High risk group

• Assessing and addressing biopsychosocial risk factors by adopting cognitive behavioural principles to address unhelpful beliefs and behaviours.