risk factors for developing chronic back pain
Last reviewed 01/2018
Risk factors for developing chronic pain or long term disability (yellow flags):
- belief that pain and activity are harmful
- sickness behaviours such as extended rest
- social withdrawal
- emotional problems, for example low/negative mood, depression, anxiety, stress
- problems with claims or compensation or time off work
- overprotective family or lack of support
- inappropriate expectations of treatment, for example low expectations of
active participation in treatment (1)
Reference:
1. Nguyen TH, Randolph DC. Non specific low back pain and return to work. Am Fam Physician. 2007;76(10):1497-502