[Interdisciplinary treatment of chronic low back pain: psychological aspects and personality traits]

Evidence on chronic low back pain treatments stresses the need for a multidimensional approach that aims a biopsychosocial rehabilitation. The caregiver team of the rheumatology division of the University Hospitals of Geneva has successfully applied this approach over the last years and this article emphasizes the value of a close collaboration with the division of liaison psychiatry. The use of cognitive-behavioral and psycho-educational techniques guaranties the definition of patient-centred and measurable treatment objectives. The inclusion of a psychotherapy group promotes free expression and sharing of psychological distress. Assessment of personality traits allows for considering the global nature of the patients rather than merely aiming the normalization of their deviant aspects.