Multidisciplinary intensive treatment for chronic low back pain: a randomized, prospective study

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Occupational Health
• Pain Management

Background:

• Multidisciplinary intensive treatment programs have successfully aided Americans with low back pain in returning to work.
• The efficacy of such programs in countries with more robust social welfare systems, potentially reducing work return incentives, remains unproven.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a Danish functional restoration program incorporating behavioral support for chronic low back pain patients.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial involving 106 patients with at least 6 months of disabling low back pain.
• Participants were assigned to either a 3-week intensive treatment program (n=55) or an untreated control group (n=51).
• A 4-month follow-up assessment was conducted.

Main Results:

• A significantly higher proportion of treated patients returned to work (64%) compared to the control group (29%).
• Treated patients demonstrated a significant reduction in sick leave days (P < .02) and healthcare professional contacts (P < .001).
• The intensive program also led to lower reported pain and disability scores.

Conclusions:

• Intensive functional restoration programs, despite their cost, can effectively reduce sick leave, healthcare utilization, and pain in individuals with chronic low back pain.
• These findings suggest the value of such programs in diverse socioeconomic and welfare contexts.
• The study highlights the potential for significant savings in pension expenditures and healthcare costs.