The functional restoration approach for chronic spinal disability

The functional restoration approach to treating chronic spinal disability consists of a medically directed, interdisciplinary team approach to physical reconditioning and a cognitive-behavioral "crisis intervention" procedure for dealing with related psychosocial problems. One- and two-year follow-up studies have demonstrated the clinical efficacy of this approach. The present article describes this approach and summarizes the research documenting its success in treating patients with chronic spinal disability. This article also highlights the pitfalls in misunderstanding and misrepresenting the components of the functional restoration approach when evaluating treatment efficacy.