APTEI: A Radically New Approach to Low Back Pain

Overview: 

“…the total financial cost of back pain is about three times greater than the total cost of all forms of cancer diseases…” (Egdon Jonsson in Nachemson 2000)

A systematic analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study concludes that lower back pain (LBP) is the leading global cause of disability in most countries and the incidence is increasing (GBD in Lancet 2016).

Ironically the costs of care and interventions for management of LBP are increasing (Dieleman et al 2016).

What is going on????

Learning Objectives:

The aim of this course is to review all the optimal management strategies suggested by the Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs).

CPGs are developed around the world for the optimal management of LBP by recommending effective evidence-based interventions while discouraging ineffective interventions (O’Connel 2018). Sadly a one-size fits all recommendation for all patients with LBP!

The most up to date CPGs have the following basic 6 recommendations for non-specific LBP:

1. Rule out specific serious spinal pathology (i.e. red flags, neural signs)
2. Encourage an early return to activity
3. Promote the importance of self-management (e.g. McKenzie)
4. Against routine imaging
5. Physical exercise
6. Assessment & management of psychosocial factors

IS THAT REALLY ENOUGH? I DON'T THINK SO...

There must be more to helping those with LBP than just the above 6 recommendations. 

A radically new approach to LBP is needed! Here are my suggestions.

Audience:

All healthcare providers who are interested in the most updated interventions for helping those dealing with acute, sub-acute and persistent LBP.

This course is also aimed towards anyone who wishes to focus more in PREVENTING acute LBP from becoming persistent leading to long-term disabilities.