Table 1 Inclusion and exclusion criteria

1. CLBP

7. specific CLBP

2. no relevant improvement under prior conservative treatment for one year

8. acute or subacute LBP

3. about to undergo surgical or further conservative treatment

9. comorbidity that determines overall well-being

4. age 18–65 years at the beginning of treatment

10. pregnancy

5. good understanding of German (CH) or English (NZ)

11. expected loss to follow-up

6. written consent

12. unwillingness to complete questionnaires