LOW-BACK-PAIN COMPREHENSIVE REHABILITATION PROGRAM - A FOLLOW-UP-STUDY

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 63  (10) , 458-461
Abstract
The outcome of the management of chronic low back pain in 42 men and 36 women by a comprehensive rehabilitation program consisting of biofeedback training, counseling in self-control techniques, self-regulated medication reduction, physical therapy, vocational rehabilitation services, and education conducted in a therapeutic milieu was examined at 6 mo. and 12 mo. after discharge. The mean age of the subjects was 43.4 yr; the mean highest school grade completed, 12.6; and the mean full scale WAIS [Wechsler Adult Intelligence scale] IQ, 106.7. On admission 72 were unemployed, and had been disabled and unemployed for a median time of 3 yr. Almost 2/3 were involved in litigation. At 6 mo. after discharge 33 were working or accepted for employment and 35 at 12 mo. (P < 0.001). Success rates were higher when only those who stayed in the program for more than 4 wk were considered. The employed patients rated their pain lower, used less medication and relied less on attention from physicians. They did not seem to differ in their use of relaxation skills or exercise. A similar study was initiated of patients randomly assigned to treatment and waiting list control groups.

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