Risk factors for developing chronic back pain

Risk factors for developing chronic pain or long term disability (yellow flags):

• belief that pain and activity are harmful
• sickness behaviours such as extended rest
• social withdrawal
• emotional problems, for example low/negative mood, depression, anxiety, stress
• problems with claims or compensation or time off work
• overprotective family or lack of support
• inappropriate expectations of treatment, for example low expectations of active participation in treatment (1)
  

Reference:

1. Nguyen TH, Randolph DC. Non specific low back pain and return to work. Am Fam Physician. 2007;76(10):1497-502