Back pain is a common health problem in Australia.
This incidence was exceeded only by that of headache, arthritis, asthma, the common cold and dermatitis. The Guidelines for the management of acute low back pain are based on the proposition that the treatment, investigation, and assessment of acute low back is predicated by an understanding of the nature of back pain. Chapters 7 to 10, address assessment with respect to history, physical examination, imaging, and psychosocial assessment. The guidelines have been developed with the medical practitioner in mind as they have a comprehensive responsibility in the management of their patients. The guidelines have been externally developed by the Australasian Faculty of Musculoskeletal Medicine, with the technical support of staff of the National Musculoskeletal Medicine Initiative.