A combined approach to a medical problem. The Canadian back education unit

The Canadian Back Education Unit represents a team approach to a medical problem. Orthopedic surgeons, psychiatrists, psychologists and physiotherapists give a course of four lectures to patients with low back pain. The patients are taught the anatomy and physiology of their pain, proper postures and exercise, the way in which emotions can complicate their physical problem, and relaxation techniques. Of 934 completing the six-month review course, 77% rated themselves as improved and 96% felt the course had been helpful. There was also found to be a 62% decrease in the number of patients seeing doctors about their back pain. It is felt that this is a method by which psychiatrists, orthopedic surgeons and paramedical personnel are able to work together to provide an effective and cost-efficient way of helping patients cope with a chronic physical problem.