A Randomized Controlled Multicentre Trial of a Brief Intervention (BI) Versus a BI Plus Cognitive Behavioural Treatment (CBT) Versus Nutritional Supplementation for Patients With Long-lasting Back Pain.

The treatment principles for low back pain, and also other types of non-specific muscle pain, have changed dramatically over the last 10 to 15 years; from traditional treatment like bed rest and inactivity to more active treatment strategies ("the back pain revolution"; Waddell et al 1997). Norwegian research has been in the forefront, particularly in demonstrating the clinical and cost effective brief interventions (BI) (Indahl et al., 1995, 1998; Hagen et al 2000, 2004, Brox et al 2003, Storheim et al 2003). However, about 30% of the patients do not recover or return to normal social and working life. The aim of this study is therefore to see if a longer cognitive behavioural intervention (CBT) has an additional benefit to BI, and to compare this with a potentially beneficial dietary supplement.