Yellow Flags Questionnaire for Early Identification of Risk Factors of Chronicity

By Craig Liebenson, DC

In my last column, I presented the scientific literature supporting the value of early identification of risk factors of chronicity. Skeptics have claimed that the natural history tends toward a quick resolution of low-back problems and that treatment is unnecessary. While disability usually resolves quickly, neither pain nor activity intolerances do. Various treatment strategies which focus on patient reactivation have demonstrated both short and long-term effects on the recovery rate of acute low-back pain patients.

Due to the tremendous costs associated with chronic disability, secondary prevention strategies targeted to high risk acute/subacute patients are the most economically valuable management options. This questionnaire is a tool for identification of the high risk patients.¹ It is recommended to be used on the first contact day, but it can be used even after one month if recovery goals have not been met. Administration and scoring are taught in the LACC rehabilitation courses by Dr. Steven Youmans.² Software programs are also available for capturing many of these risk factors automatically.³

The recent New Zealand low-back pain guidelines are accompanied by an excellent guide to capturing yellow flags by taking history and questionnaires.⁴ This is available from their excellent website. LACC has also begun offering a distance learning educational module on biopsychosocial approaches to spinal disorders, which includes much of this information.⁵

Standard Form

Primary complaint -- please circle: Low back/leg OR Neck/arm

Name ___________________________

Date ______________

BD _ SC _

Is this the first time you have had this pain/complaint? Yes/No (If Yes, skip to #4)

How many previous episodes required treatment? ______ 4 or more ______

Have you been hospitalized or had surgery for the same or similar complaint before? Y/N

Please indicate your usual level of pain during the past week: No pain 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Worst possible pain
of your pain/complaint? Y/N

How long ago did your current episode begin?
__ Less than two weeks ago
__ 2 weeks to <3 months ago
__ Three months to <6 months ago
__ 6 months ago

Do you smoke a pack or more of tobacco a day? Y/N

How would you rate your general health? Fair ___ Poor ___

How many times have you been married? __ Two __ Three or more __ Divorced

How physically demanding is your job? (Include housework if not employed outside the home)
Not at all demanding 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Very demanding

How anxious (e.g., tense, uptight, irritable, fearful, difficulty in concentrating/relaxing) have you been feeling during the past week?
Not at all 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Extremely anxious

How much have you been able to control (i.e., reduce/help) your pain/complaint on your own during the past week?
Well controlled 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Can't control at all

Please indicate how depressed (e.g., down in the dumps, sad, downhearted, in low spirits, pessimistic, feelings of hopefulness) have you been feeling in the past week?
Not depressed at all 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Extremely depressed

Does pain, numbness, tingling or weakness extend into your leg (from the low back) or arm (from the neck)?
None of the time 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 All of the time

During the last week, how often have you taken medication (such as aspirin, Motrin, Tylenol or prescription medication) for your pain complaint?
__ 3 or more times a day __ couple of day __Once a week

If you had to spend the rest of your life with your condition as it is right now, how would you feel about it?
__ Delighted (satisfied and dissatisfied) __ Mostly dissatisfied

References

Liebenson CS, Yeomans S. Early identification of risk factors of chronicity. In: Yeomans S. Clinical Application of Outcomes Assessment. Appleton & Lange, sched. publication 1999.
Yeomans S. Outcomes assessment. LACC first 100-hour rehabilitation course, LACC postgraduate division, (562) 902-3379.
Synergy Solutions. (800) 950-8133 or (218) 326-0437.
Kendall NAS, Linton SJ, Main CJ. Guide to assessing psychosocial yellow flags in acute low back pain: risk factors for long-term disability and work loss. Accident Rehabilitation & Compensation Insurance Corporation of New Zealand and the National Health Committee. Wellington, New Zealand. Available at http://www.nhc.govt.nz.
Biopsychosocial distance learning module. LACC first 100-hour rehabilitation course, LACC postgraduate division, (562) 902-3379.

Click here for more information about Craig Liebenson, DC.

Yellow Flags Questionnaire for Early Identification of Risk Factors of Chronicity

Standard Form

Name ___________________________

Date ______________

BD _________ SC _________

BD _ SC _