Gosh Gingernut you see more new patients with back pain than a full time spinal surgeon!!!! I think you hit the nail on the head with the word ethic. My previous post was aimed at people with no previous symptoms who suddenly get lower back pain that prevents them working, and in many cases getting out of bed. Unless you are advertising in the local paper you shouldnt get this number.
Perhaps you are describing patients with a bit of an ache which is quite different, or may be they are after a sickie! I see that in your country the number of A and E attendances has tripled whereas in the rest of the developed world it has fallen by 20 - 30% (except the US where they still shoot each other).
Strange country. Also sorry to see my neighbouring country is struggling with MRIs. Surely we should provide the best level of care and not simply ration it? However, I suspect there is enough capacity to MRI all initial presentations with significant symptoms.