Abstract
Purpose of the Study
To develop an online self-assessment and self-management tool (BACKonLINE™) for discerning between people with characteristics of predominantly centrally (CD) or peripherally (PD) driven LBP.
Background
Low back pain (LBP) may worsen with time, making appropriate treatment important. In the NHS Physiotherapy services LBP patients may wait for 14–24 weeks for treatments. Many factors contribute to LBP, but it is predominantly initially viewed as a result of peripheral tissue damage. However, evidence show that persistent LBP is associated with amplification in pain processing in the central nervous system (central sensitisation). Sometimes, this may drive symptoms, resulting in poorer outcomes and requiring longer management. Timely assessment and appropriate management is therefore paramount.
Method
Design: 2-round Delphi study. Sample: Purposive sample of international LBP physiotherapy experts. For Round1, series of questions were developed using literature search on characterising clinical features of LBP with predominantly CD or PD pain. Participants were asked to score questions on a 7-point Likert scale on their importance in differentiating between CD and PD pain. Round2, sent to Round1 participants, aimed to reach final consensus on BACKonLINE™. Consensus for both rounds was pre-set at ≥70%.
Results
In Round1, 38 experts participated. Out of 55 questions, 33 (60%) reached consensus. Participants added 11 new questions. Round2 included 44 questions and sent to Round1 participants. In Round2, 40 (90.9%) questions reached final consensus.
Conclusion
This study displays an agreement among LBP physiotherapy experts on the importance of characterising CD and PD pain. Forty (90.9%) questions reached final consensus and formulated BACKonLINE™
Conflicts of interest
No conflicts of interest
Sources of funding
Civil Service Commission, Kuwait
