By definition, back school is an educational program for back pain patients. It's usually presented to a group of patients rather than on a one-on-one basis. Exercises are a part of the program. Most back schools are taught by a physical therapist or paramedical health care professional.

There are many variations in the content and intensity of back schools. The Swedish Back School is a low-intensity program. Patients meet with a physical therapist for one to four sessions spread out over several weeks to a month. Exercises done twice/day are designed to increase strength and improve function.

High-intensity programs are geared toward work simulation. Patients enrolled in this type of back school meet more often. Exercises are progressed faster with an increase in the level of activity. Exercises are designed to help patients with the most difficult tasks at work.

A recent study comparing low-intensity back school to conservative care and high-intensity back school showed a faster return-to-work time with fewer sick days. Function improved faster too, although pain levels weren't different from one group to the other.