On “Treatment-Based Classification System for Low Back Pain: Revision and Update.” Alrwaily M, Timko M, Schneider M, et al. Phys Ther. 2016;96:1057–1066.

Abstract

We would first like to congratulate the authors on their update of the treatment-based classification (TBC) system.1 As we attempt to move forward in finding the most appropriate path for the clinical management of low back pain (LBP), it's critical to reflect on the systems we utilize and make appropriate adjustments and improvements when and where they are warranted. We are hopeful that the statement regarding “more convergence than divergence” among the systems indicates a scientific readiness to work together in the future for improved patient outcomes. We do feel compelled, however, to correct inaccuracies with several of the statements made. First, the cited reference for the categorical statement that “TBC is the most extensively researched classification system in the field of physical therapy”1(p1058) is the 2012 article by Karayannis et al.2 Examination of this reference reveals no substantiation of …