Khaberni - A recent study has revealed that those suffering from lower back pain are able to regain an active lifestyle without necessarily having to undergo traditional physical therapy.
This is achieved through programs based on self-management and correcting misconceptions related to pain.
Despite clinical guidelines recommending reassurance to patients about their ability to manage symptoms and engage in activity, this approach is often overlooked in daily medical practice in favor of traditional treatments.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, indicates that the "Enhanced Intervention via Theoretical Modeling" (ETMI) online pain management program, which focuses on correcting false beliefs and encouraging physical activity, contributed to improving patients' physical functions in a shorter period compared to usual physical therapy.
The trial included more than 1600 patients suffering from chronic lower back pain, where levels of physical activity, number of physical therapy sessions, functional improvement, pain severity, and patient beliefs about activity avoidance were assessed.
Results showed that patients who received the ETMI program, which included brisk walking sessions, required fewer therapy sessions and achieved greater improvements in their functions and beliefs about activity compared to those who received the usual care. This also included patients suffering from depression or anxiety.
Although there were no significant differences in pain intensity between the groups, the researchers noted that the program focuses on changing patient behaviors and beliefs, rather than directly treating the pain.
The study concluded that transitioning from a conventional therapeutic model that relies on diagnoses and directed exercises to an approach that allows the patient to manage their own health might be challenging, but it is an important step towards more sustainable care for musculoskeletal health.
