Table 3

Therapeutic modalities applied or advised by the GP (n = 187).

Modalityn (%)a
No advice given3 (2)
Advised the patient to wait and see for the natural course42 (23)
Advised to improve posture and keep moving41 (22)
Advised the patient to keep rest33 (18)
Instructed the patient in home exercises16 (9)
Advised to stop working and report on sick leave6 (3)
Other advice given6 (3)
Prescribed medicationb78 (42)

  • ↵a Total is more than 100% because the GP could apply several modalities at the same time.

  • ↵b More women (48%) received pain medications than men (31%) and women received more muscle relaxants (13%) than men (6%).