Guidelines for the identification of barriers to rehabilitation of back injuries

Not all patients with back pain recover within the expected natural recovery period. Addressing only the physical component and ignoring the psychosocial may lead to treatment failure. Recognition of typical circumstances that may become barriers to rehabilitation enhances the recovery process. Barriers to rehabilitation and questions to help determine their existence are discussed. Asking pertinent questions enables clinicians to identify those who may need redirection. This re-direction may reduce treatment time, resulting in cost savings for the third party payer and a reduction in health care dollars spent on rehabilitation. Most importantly, resolution of possible barriers and rapid recovery allows the patient to return to a normal lifestyle.