[Multidisplinary approach to chronic back pain: postrehabilitation resumption of work the same 3-4 years later as...

To determine the results of a multidisciplinary programme for people with chronic back pain 3 to 4 years post-programme.

Prospective cohort study.

In 1996, 143 patients with chronic back pain had participated in an outpatients programme, of 4 weeks duration, at a Back AdviceCentre. A follow-up study took place 6 months post-programme. This involved 99 men and 44 women, who at the start of the programme had a mean age of 41.6 (SD: 8.5; range: 23-58) and had experienced back pain for a mean period of 46.3 months (SD: 36.3). In January/February 2000 the patients were contacted by telephone and completed questionnaires concerning their current work status, pain intensity, perceived disability and complaints. The same questionnaires had been completed at the start of the programme and 6 months post-programme. Differences across the three scores were tested in a multivariate test for repeated measurements.

Data were obtained from 130 patients; 103 (79%) persons were completely returned to work. The response was 92% (n = 130). As a result of back pain, 14 patients (11%) could not work or worked reduced hours compared with the premorbid situation. (This percentage was 13% at 6 months post-programme.) A further 9 patients (7%) could not work or worked reduced hours due to other health complaints. The average level of pain, disability and complaints was still lower (p < 0.001) than the pre-programme situation.

The percentage of people who permanently returned to work following the multidisciplinary approach to chronic back pain, remained stable over a period of 3 to 4 years. The results were comparable to those obtained at 6 months post-programme.