Physical Therapy Evaluation Techniques for Determination of Psychological Factors Affecting Low Back Pain

Low back pain continues to represent the leading musculoskeletal cause of disability in the United States and is the most frequently reported condition for which people receive outpatient physical therapy. In several of these instances, evaluation reveals no known pathological cause for a patient's symptoms. Studies have shown that psychological factors can play a role in the presentation of low back pain. In order to effect treatment, assessment tools are needed that can be utilized by physical therapists to identify the presence of these psychological factors. The purpose of this literature review is to outline methods of assessment that the physical therapist can use to identify the presence of psychological factors contributing to the presentation of low back pain and outline a course of treatment based on those findings.