Dropout from treatment for chronic low-back pain

Chronic low-back pain is a common clinical complaint, and patient dropout c an be a major complication to treatment. The authors examined the variables predicting dropout from a 12-week outpatient clinical trial on the treatme nt of chronic low-back pain. Findings underscore the importance of carefull y evaluating the patient's pain severity, attitudes about pain symptoms, an d expectations and goals for treatment. Attempts should be made to correct misconceptions and unrealistic expectations regarding the nature of the pai n condition, treatment options, likely outcomes, the role of self-regulatio n training, and family support.