Back pain is the single leading cause of disability worldwide; the World Health Organization regards back pain as a condition for which the greatest number of people may benefit from rehabilitation. It is estimated that low back pain alone affects 619 million people globally and this is estimated to rise to 843 million people by 2050. Up to 60% of the adult population will have low back pain at some point in their lifetime; 5-7% of adults over 45 years of age are estimated to have chronic low back pain.

Healthcare professionals see people with back pain routinely in their clinical practice and so education and awareness of back pain and the various treatment options are vital for an effective outcome in these situations. Research has shown that healthcare professionals have a considerable and enduring influence upon the attitudes and beliefs of people with back pain. This book will help clinicians to positively influence the outcome of people suffering from back pain.

This book discusses back pain in great detail and is written in an easy-to-understand style, while keeping an evidence-based approach. Doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, medical students, and other healthcare professionals will find this book informative. People who suffer with back pain will also find the information useful to expand their knowledge in order to successfully manage the condition.

This book is of immense use to candidates preparing for examinations conducted by the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, UK (FFPMRCA), American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA), Royal College of General Practitioners, UK (MRCGP), College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland (FFPMCAI), American Board of Pain Medicine (ABPM), European Pain Federation (EFIC) (European Diploma in Pain Medicine [EDPM]), Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (FPM), and the World Institute of Pain (FIPP/CIPS).

The authors are both senior consultants in pain medicine practising in the United Kingdom and are consulted by thousands of patients every year. They have lectured at many international, national and regional meetings and are invited lecturers to public and patient groups on various health topics. They have organised workshops, meetings and seminars for the national anaesthetic and pain societies. They have published many articles, research and textbooks on pain medicine. Their aim is to create an awareness of chronic pain conditions among other healthcare professionals and the public.