Back pain rehabilitation

Abstract

Background: Back pain is a universal problem that becomes persistent in 5-10% of patients following an acute episode. This makes it one of the most costly areas of health care in Australia.

Objective: This article outlines the paradigm that general practitioners should adopt to assist the patient to live with their pain experience.

Discussion: The development of persistent back pain is not a static process but one that is heavily influenced by the context in which it occurs. Patient characteristics, health care providers and the health system environment contribute and interact to promote the development of persistent pain. Health care providers involved in managing persistent pain should remain confidant, positive and reassuring. They should encourage activity, discourage fear avoidance behaviour, and consider rehabilitation early before illness beliefs become entrenched. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation, when used early, aims to improve function and assist in the return to work process; when used late, it aims to prevent worsening disability and increased coping for patients.