OBJECTIVE:

We sought to assess the relationship between perceptions of provider communication and treatment satisfaction for acute, work-related low-back pain (LBP).

METHODS:

In a prospective cohort study, 544 working adults (67% men) with acute LBP provided 1- and 3-month assessments of pain, function, and work status.

RESULTS:

In a multiple regression analysis, positive provider communication (took problem seriously, explained condition clearly, tried to understand my job, advised to prevent re-injury) explained more variation in patient satisfaction at 1 month than was explained by clinical improvements in pain and function. At 3 months, clinical improvement variables surpassed provider communication as predictors of patient satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients with work-related LBP place a high value on provider counseling and education, especially during the acute stage (<1 month) of treatment.