This patient was carefully examined and the physical therapist determined that his LBP was of mechanical origin and that it was back pain with a nonradicular component. The patient's primary complaint is pain and his secondary complaints are related to loss of function (concern about recurrences, fear of not being able to continue his work, unable to perform normal activities of daily living without fear of pain exacerbation). Therefore, the history and physical exam suggest that the focus of intervention should be to relieve his pain rapidly and to provide strategies to maximize his physical health (especially his overall strength) to minimize the likelihood of recurrences. With the age-related breakdown of the specialized connective tissues of the spine (e.g., intervertebral discs, apophyseal joints), the neuromuscular system becomes the primary means by which loads must be attenuated. Thus, attention to improving neuromuscular efficiency, especially of his trunk and hips must be an important aspect of care.