Patients presenting
with symptoms, signs, and radiological fi ndings of either
lateral nerve root compression or disc prolapse scheduled for
surgery were recruited and consented into this study and randomized
using a 2 × 2 factorial design to receive:
• Factor 1—either a 6-week program of postoperative
rehabilitation or the relevant surgeon’s usual postoperative
care (according to the surgeon’s discretion and
routine practice):
• Factor 2—either an educational booklet (“Your Back
operation” 31 ), or the surgeon’s usual advice.