Background and Aims
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the most common, poorly understood and disabling chronic pain conditions, affecting 5-10% of the global population. CLBP represents a significant impact to both patients and the healthcare system. The aim of this study is to better understand the scale, impact and burden of CLBP on patients’ physical health, emotional well-being, employment and financial status.

Methods
A global online survey of > 9,000 adults (> 18 yrs) with CLBP is being conducted in 16 countries with 250 – 1000 patients recruited per country (Australia, Belgium, Germany, Finland, France, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK) during 2019. The survey has been developed with the support of a multidisciplinary faculty that involved measurement & outcomes specialists, medical experts, patient organisations and external thought leaders within the CLBP arena. In one of the largest and most in-depth studies of its kind, patients are being recruited via online market research panels, using a robust screener to identify patients with a physician diagnosis of CLBP of ≥ 3 months. Beyond demographics, the survey will evaluate patients’ experience of diagnosis and treatment, as well as the impact of CLBP on their physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, employment and financial status. 

Results: The global survey is ongoing and preliminary data are expected in June 2019.

Conclusion: The results from the survey will help identify opportunities to improve current approaches to diagnosis and management and identify areas where CLBP patients could be better supported.

METHODOLOGY TO ASSESS IMPACT AND BURDEN OF CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN ON PATIENTS' PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH-GLOBAL SURVEY OF >9,000 PATIENTS ACROSS 16 COUNTRIES