The Swedish back school in chronic low back pain. Part I. Benefits.

The aim of this 12-month follow-up study was to evaluate the effect of the Swedish-type back school in chronic low back pain. 188 subjects completed the study (95 in the treatment group and 93 in the control group). The following were assessed: 1) subjective scores of pain and disability; 2) clinical measurement and evaluation including spinal mobility and strength measurement; 3) number and length of sick-leaves. At 12 months, subjective scores of pain and disability, and mobility of the lumbosacral section of the spine showed differences in the favour of the treatment group. There was no difference, however, in the number or the length of sick-leaves after the back school. It was concluded that patients with chronic or recurrent low back pain may get relief of subjective symptoms of low back pain from the back school. In addition to chronicity, there may be other factors affecting the outcome of treatment.