Treatment of Low Back Pain Amongst Physiotherapists

A Low back pain is reportedly one of the most common musculoskeletal problems that is managed by physiotherapists globally and it constitutes a significant health problem with a heavy economic burden to the patient as well as the community. Physiotherapists treat a large number of patients with low back pain, accounting for approximately half their workload. Studies show that prevalence of LBP among Indian populations ranges from 6.2% to 92%.

Evidence-based treatment for low back pain other than conventional physiotherapy (PT) treatments includes counselling, educational informative sessions, painkillers and exercises under supervision Guidelines for the treatment of low back pain recommend that practitioners identify risk factors and intervene early.

In managing low back pain, it has been suggested that clinicians focus on factors beyond conventional treatment principles. Importantly, it has been observed that the attitudes and beliefs of the practitioner or clinician significantly impacts the management of a condition/disorder, and consequently the related outcomes. In recent study, it was reported that almost 10% of musculoskeletal physiotherapists will persist in their treatment in non-responsive patients as they believe that their patients will improve, at some point, as there is a cumulative effect. Interestingly, this persistence depends upon the belief of the clinician, and not on available evidence. Accordingly, it is important that factors related to attitudes and beliefs of Indian physiotherapists towards the management of LBP should be comprehensively investigated.