This is the first part of instalment 5 of a 6 part series focusing specifically on low back pain. By educating patients about their low back pain we can provide the tools to help them understand it and feel empowered to take an active role in their care plan. This lays the foundation for them to regain a locus of control and develop the confidence to return to doing the things they love. What is chronic low back pain?
Chronic low back pain is, by definition, back pain that has persisted for greater than three months; we’ve drawn a line in the sand and if you have pain for greater than three months, you’re chronic. Sounds bad doesn’t it? However, chronic does not mean forever, its simply a descriptor of the time frame for this current episode. This certainly does not mean you can’t improve and go back to doing the things you love. People experiencing chronic low back pain may just need a different and more individualized approach to managing their pain compared to someone experiencing an acute episode of pain.
The vast majority of information, although presented in a very convincing fashion as fact, isn’t always accurate or in accordance with current evidence-based guidelines. So, how do we know if what we’re reading is opinion or more sound information based off of high-quality scientific studies? If you can’t tell by now, it is abundantly clear that there is a knowledge gap between the abundance of research and patient beliefs concerning low back pain. Chiropractors and physiotherapists are in a unique position within healthcare to solve this problem. Evidence-based practitioners should act as guides when it comes to spreading credible information about musculoskeletal diagnoses. Educating patients in order to change their longstanding beliefs about things such as low back pain can promote a more optimistic relationship with pain and ultimately help patients regain a locus of control over their health. Watch for the next instalment when Dr. Cutting examines the difference |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
May 2021
Categories |
Arlington Location:
3012 Arlington Avenue Saskatoon, SK, S7J 2J9 mackiephysio@shaw.ca Phone: (306)955-7888 Fax: (306)955-7871 Hours: Monday 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM Tuesday 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM Wednesday 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM Thursday 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM Friday 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM |
Evergreen Location:
#40-211 Evergreen Square Saskatoon, SK, S7W 0Z2 mackieevergreen@shaw.ca Phone: (306)952-6277 Fax: (306)952-6276 Hours: Monday 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM Tuesday 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM Wednesday 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM Thursday 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM |