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Low back pain is not a specific disease.
Low back pain is a symptom of a particular injury or ailment that causes pain.
In spite of the small number of conditions that can cause low back pain, 85% of low back pain patients are diagnosed with “non-specific low back pain” - the most common diagnosis for a painful spinal condition is “Low Back Pain”. Here in lies the problem!
The traditional method of diagnosing low back pain is exclusively based on the findings of abnormal radiological imaging such as x-ray and MRI. This approach does not allow for an accurate diagnosis when used in isolation.
When low back pain patients are referred to physical therapy with this generic diagnosis, signs and symptoms are treated without consideration for the underlying structures causing the pain. Patients either fail to respond or aggravate their low back disorder, cancelling their physical therapy due to no perceived benefit.
The Biopsychosocial Model – solves this Low Back Pain problem.
The source of a patient’s low back pain can only be identified by classifying low back pain disorders into sub-groups based on the structures causing the low back pain. Identification of the source of a patient’s low back pain allows for the development of a specific treatment plan aimed at low back pain resolution.
The “Biopsychosocial Model” is considered the best model we have to diagnose low back pain. This model allows for consideration of every possible cause of a patient’s pain, identifying the structure(s) involved. In addition, the model allows for identification of the presence and influence of psychological factors (fear and anxiety), and social factors (work place disputes and family tensions) on a patient’s low back pain.
Physical Therapy Role:
The success of this approach depends on the specialized training, skill and ability of the physical therapist. Additionally the importance of having the same physical therapist throughout the patient’s treatment is critical.
A successful outcome will also be influenced by the severity of the patient’s low back pain and their compliance with the prescribed treatment that includes the home exercise program.
Low Back Pain Management:
The goal of treatment for any low back pain patient is to decrease the severity of the pain, decrease the length of disability and to prevent recurrence.
Successful management greatly depends on accurately identifying the structure(s) causing the pain, and applying the most appropriate treatments.
In Conclusion:
What is clear from scientific research and clinical practice is that a multidimensional approach is needed to address low back pain. The most accurate model available in achieving your goal of pain relief is the Biopsychosocial model.
The approach recognizes low back pain has multiple facets. It is not simply a physical event but is closely tied with social circumstances and psychological factors that both influence an individual’s pain experience.
It is critical the underlying factors of a patient’s low back pain are identified and physical therapy interventions are specifically directed to the underlying factors driving a patient’s pain.
Addressing Psychological and social factors present in a patient’s low back pain has been associated with reductions in pain intensity, depression, number of doctor visits and physical disability.
Following this process we have the potential to affect your low back pain and restore lasting, long term, pain relief restoring full functional ability.
The Physical Therapists at Pro-Motion Physical Therapy are the only physical therapists in the Chicagoland area specifically trained in and using the Biopsychosocial approach demonstrating excellent outcomes with low back pain patients.
If you've tried everything and nothing works, we may be able to help.
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