Clinical prediction for success of interventions for managing low back pain

Treatment-based classification, one approach to subgrouping patients with "nonspecific" lower back pain, focuses on identifying clusters of findings from the history and clinical examination that predict a more favorable outcome with a specific treatment approach. By matching patients with the appropriate specific exercise, stabilization exercise, spinal manipulation, or traction treatment, providers may expect a high probability of a successful clinical outcome. This article reviews the evidence for various interventions commonly used in the treatment of lower back pain.