Related Experiment Videos
Interdisciplinary perspectives on mechanisms and management of low back pain
D K Ahern1, D Bishop, M J Follick
1Institute for Behavioral Medicine, Brown University Program in Medicine, Providence, Rhode Island.
Insights
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a widespread and expensive issue. An interdisciplinary approach is needed for its complex identification and management, involving diverse medical specialists.
Area of Science:
- Pain Medicine
- Behavioral Medicine
- Neurology
Background:
- Chronic low back pain (CLBP) presents significant personal suffering and economic burdens.
- CLBP contributes to healthcare over-utilization, absenteeism, and reduced productivity.
- The complexity of CLBP necessitates an interdisciplinary approach to its management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To convene a panel of experts in chronic pain assessment and treatment.
- To foster collaboration between clinicians and researchers from different specialties treating CLBP patients.
- To discuss the multifaceted aspects of CLBP, including its causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
Main Methods:
- A panel discussion was convened on November 17, 1988.
- The panel comprised healthcare professionals skilled in chronic pain assessment and treatment.
- The discussion was sponsored by the Institute for Behavioral Medicine and funded by the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Main Results:
- The panel addressed the complex etiology of chronic pain.
- Current diagnostic and treatment strategies for chronic pain were reviewed.
- Conceptual, systems, and future research directions for CLBP were explored.
Conclusions:
- An interdisciplinary approach is crucial for effectively managing chronic low back pain.
- Further research is needed to address the complex nature of CLBP.
- Collaboration among specialists is essential for advancing CLBP care.
Abstract:
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the most pervasive and costly problems facing medicine today. In addition to personal suffering, CLBP accounts for a greatly disproportionate amount of consumer health care over-utilization, employee absenteeism, lowered work productivity, disability and compensation payments. Recent research in the area has called attention to the complex nature of the problem and the need for an interdisciplinary approach to identification and management. Toward this end, a panel of health care professionals with skill in the assessment and treatment of chronic pain was convened on November 17, 1988. Sponsored by the Institute for Behavioral Medicine in Providence and with funding from the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Stroke and Trauma Program, the purpose of the panel discussion was to bring together clinicians and researchers from distinctly different specialties but who all work with CLBP patients. Topics of discussion included etiology, current status of medical diagnostics and treatments for chronic pain, conceptual and systems issues, and directions for future research.