A recent Belgian study of Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain (CNSLBP) found that exercise rehabilitation programs using the same devices as getback delivered positive outcomes for patients, including improved mobility, strength and higher return-to-work rates.
The study provided an overview of treatment approaches to CNSLBP and current evidence from the perspective of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Its conclusions recommended conservative management for CNSLBP.
‘For CNSLBP, conservative management is advised, starting with reassurance and clear patient education about the condition…’
‘Our centre emphasises exercise within a multi-disciplinary, bio-psychosocial rehabilitation program, and… we have seen positive outcomes, including improved mobility, strength and higher return-to-work rates, particularly with the David Spine Concept.’ [the same devices used by getback]
The study recommended that patients be reassured there is no serious underlying pathology with CNSLBP, and that their prognosis is good.
‘(Only) 10 per cent of acute back pain becomes chronic.’
‘It can be helpful to explain the natural course of their pain and to advise how to manage their pain, and to return to normal activities as soon as possible.’
The study found there was no reliable evidence for using manual techniques such as manipulation and mobilisation alone, ‘but there is some clinical benefit when combining them with an active treatment.’
While the study noted that the ‘broad nature of exercise makes it challenging to identify a superior type, program, intensity or duration… Our perspective is that exercise should be categorised into strength training and lumbar spine stabilisation programs (including motor control exercises).’
The study also found that in chronic LBP, exercise shows ‘a clinically relevant reduction in pain and disability, but not in function.’
Regarding the characteristics of exercise programming, the study suggested the following factors may be more effective for managing pain and disability compared to other exercise interventions:
- Engaging in at least 1 to 2 sessions per week of training
- Limiting session duration to less than 60 minutes
- Focusing on core-based, strength, or mind–body exercises, and;
- Implementing training programs that span 3 to 9 weeks.
The study’s conclusions recommended exercise as a treatment modality.
‘We advocate combining exercise programs with psychological, social, educational, and ergonomic treatments within a multi-disciplinary, bio-psychosocial rehabilitation program.’
‘Although evidence for the effectiveness of multidisciplinary treatment is limited, we have observed positive outcomes with the David Spine Concept [the same devices as getback] in our centre.
‘Both subjective and objective improvements in mobility and strength are noted, and our data indicate that patients with chronic low back pain have a higher likelihood of returning to work after multidisciplinary rehabilitation.’
The full article is available here – https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/14/9/1090
Clinical Examination, Diagnosis, and Conservative Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain: A Narrative Review
Custers, P., Van de Kelft, E., Eeckhaut, B., Sabbe, W., Hofman, A., Debuysscher, A., Van Acker, G., & Maes, G. (2024). Clinical Examination, Diagnosis, and Conservative Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain: A Narrative Review. Life, 14(9), 1090. https://doi.org/10.3390/life14091090
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