Low back pain is a common condition, with the recent Global Burden of Disease study revealing it to be one of the leading causes of disability internationally. It is known to prevent many Australians from continuing a productive and happy life.
The Keele STarT Back Screening Tool is a brief, validated tool (Hill et al 2008), designed to screen primary care patients with low back pain for prognostic indicators that are relevant to initial decision making and should make up part of an accurate diagnosis.
The instrument is being used by a range of clinicians including physiotherapists, accredited exercise physiologists and chiropractors to systematically identify patients ‘at risk’ of persistent symptoms.
The nine-item tool is designed to classify patients into one of three subgroups for targeted primary care management:
> Low risk
> Medium risk (physical indicators)
> High risk (physical and psychosocial indicators)
At Sydney Muscle & Joint Clinic Penrith our approach is consistent, high quality and based on the best scientific knowledge. We deliver evidence-based physiotherapy, exercise physiology and chiropractic for a range of musculoskeletal conditions, which means you get an approach that is effective, safe, and efficient. Contact us today to make an appointment.
