Low%20back%20pain Management
Prevention
- Strengthening exercises for the spinal area are recommended
- Smoking contributes to development of back diseases; joining smoking cessation programs may help patients decrease or quit cigarette addiction
Weight Loss Programs
- Exercise and weight loss programs may help reduce additional weight pressure on already fragile spinal bones
Follow Up
- Follow-ups should be more frequent at the start of therapy, then gradually reduced when treatment goals have been established
- Encourage compliance especially with exercise regimens
- Watch out for yellow flags
- Evaluate new symptoms thoroughly, especially for presence of red flags
Specialist Referral
- Patient should be referred to a specialist if control is not achieved despite adequate treatment
- May refer to Rehabilitation specialist for continuation/maintenance of rehabilitation
- Consider referral to a surgeon for the following:
- Preservation of neurological function
- Presence of tumors, spinal stenosis, disc prolapse associated with leg pain, and fractures