Studies show that paying attention to a patient’s social and psychologic factors makes a difference when treating back pain. This includes cultural beliefs and what the patient thinks about health and pain. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on this side of the patient.
Research shows that back pain patients do better if: 1) they understand their back pain has no known cause, 2) they recognize the social factors present, 3) they treat the social and psychologic side of the problem, not just the physical part, and 4) they take responsibility for their own health.
Cognitive behavioral therapy starts with knowing about these four factors. The patient must accept the problem and agree to work on it. Instead of avoiding activities for fear of pain, the patient is advised to work on ways to solve the problem. For example after accepting pain as a fact, the patient begins a program of relaxation. Activity to the point of pain is encouraged.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a step-by-step approach to nonspecific back pain. The patient must find what works and stick with it through the healing process. Having a psychologist, counselor, or physical therapist to guide them through this treatment is often helpful.