• E M Hagen, H R Eriksen, and H Ursin.
• Spine Clinic, Central Hospital in Hedmark, Ottestad, Norway. emhagen@online.no
• Spine. 2000 Aug 1;25(15):1973-6.

Study DesignA controlled randomized clinical trial was performed.ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of a light mobilization program on the duration of sick leave for patients with subacute low back pain.Summary Of Background DataEarly intervention with information, diagnostics, and light mobilization may be a cost-effective method for returning patients quickly to normal activity. In this experiment, patients were referred to a low back pain clinic and given this simple and systematic program as an outpatient treatment.MethodsIn this study, 457 patients sick-listed 8 to 12 weeks for low back pain, as recorded by the National Insurance Offices, were randomized into two groups: an intervention group (n = 237) and a control group (n = 220). The intervention group was examined at a spine clinic and given information and advice to stay active. The control group was not examined at the clinic, but was treated with conventional primary health care.ResultsAt 12-month follow-up assessment, 68.4% in the intervention group had returned to full-duty work, as compared with 56.4% in the control group.ConclusionsEarly intervention with examination, information, and recommendations to stay active showed significant effects in reducing sick leave for patients with low back pain.

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