Perceived recovery at one year according to presence of disabling back pain and the presence of disc herniation or nerve root compression on MRI at baseline.

OR denotes odds ratio. CI denotes confidence interval. Total n = 379.Perceived recovery was defined as “complete” or “nearly complete disappearance of symptoms” on the 7-point Likert scale.¶Analysis adjusted for actual treatment received (surgery vs. no surgery during the first year).‡Analysis adjusted for actual treatment received (surgery vs. no surgery during the first year), age, gender, body-mass index, smoking and Roland Disability Questionnaire score at baseline.