• Reassure patients (favorable prognosis).

• Advise to stay active.

• Prescribe medication if necessary (preferably time-contingent).

• First line is paracetamol; second line is non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs, consider muscle relaxants, opioids or antidepressant and anticonvulsive medication (as co-medication for pain relief).

• Discourage bed rest.

• Discourage use of modalities (such as ultrasound, electrotherapy).

• Short-term use of medication/manipulation.

• Supervised exercise therapy.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy.

• Multidisciplinary treatment.