Good advice for a bad back.

Providing useful information to patients with chronic low back pain can be difficult. Patients tend to have many preconceived ideas and are often skeptical of medical advice. The physician should resist undue caution without being overly dogmatic. The basic principles of treatment are to be positive and specific but to avoid absolute statements. Encourage the patient's participation and do not directly challenge conflicting opinions. Inform patients that chairs should have wide seats, lumbar supports, arm rests and a 10°-20° slope to the back. Sleeping surfaces should be firm and offer uniform support. Braces, footstools, shoes and back supports provide passive assistance to active back care.