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Controlling Back Pain with Change in Attitude and Behavior

Years ago any illness or condition with a connection between the mind and body was labeled psychosomatic and dismissed as a “mental” not physical problem. Since then more and more studies have shown biologic, neurologic, and chemical pathways exist between the brain and the body.

A recent study from the Netherlands has shown that some patients with chronic low back actually get better with a psychologic approach rather than physical treatment such as exercise or strength training. The method used is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It involves a change in attitude and some changes in behavior.

Some say this is a major break through in treating back pain patients. Others say it's too soon to tell. Follow-up after the study only lasted 10 weeks. The positive benefits may not continue. It could be the patients responded to the personal attention they got from joining a treatment group.

Long-term results are important and must be available before adopting this program for everyone. In fact, researchers are actively trying to match which patients respond best to each individual kind of treatment. It's likely that some patients respond better than others to CBT -- the goal is to identify who are these patients and treat them accordingly.

References: Psychological or Physical Treatment of Disabling Chronic Back Pain: Which is More Effective? In The Back Letter. April 2006. Vol. 21. No. 4. Pp. 37, 43-45.

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