Diagnosis and Treatment of Low Back Pain: A Joint Clinical Practice Guideline from the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society

View this table: [in this window] [in a new window]   Appendix Table 1. The American College of Physicians Clinical Practice Guidelines Grading System

View this table: [in this window] [in a new window]   Appendix Table 2. Methods for Grading the Strength of the Overall Evidence for an Intervention

View this table: [in this window] [in a new window]   Appendix Table 3. Definitions for Estimating Magnitude of Effects

View this table: [in this window] [in a new window]   Appendix Table 4. Recommendations and Summary Ratings

View this table: [in this window] [in a new window]   Appendix Table 5. Level of Evidence and Summary Grades for Noninvasive Interventions in Patients with Acute Low Back Pain

View this table: [in this window] [in a new window]   Appendix Table 6. Level of Evidence and Summary Grades for Noninvasive Interventions in Patients with Chronic or Subacute Low Back Pain

View larger version (36K): [in this window] [in a new window]   Figure 1. Initial evaluation of low back pain (LBP). Do not use this algorithm for back pain associated with major trauma, nonspinal back pain, or back pain due to systemic illness. CRP = C-reactive protein; EMG = electromyography; ESR = erythrocyte sedimentation rate; MRI = magnetic resonance imaging; NCV = nerve conduction velocity.

View larger version (28K): [in this window] [in a new window]   Figure 2. Management of low back pain (LBP). MRI = magnetic resonance imaging; NSAIDs = nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; TCA = tricyclic antidepressants.