Integrative Treatment Strategies for Chronic Back Pain: A Literature Review with Clinical Recommendations.

PROBLEM: Chronic back pain (CBP) is a major cause of disability, contributing significantly to healthcare costs and primary care visits. Pharmacotherapy alone is insufficient in managing CBP. Integrated behavioral health interventions that include psychoeducation are critical for a more holistic, sustainable treatment of CBP.

OBJECTIVES

This review explores CBP treatments that includes psychoeducation as part of patient care.

METHODS

In the Fall of 2024, the first author searched Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus using search terms related to chronic back pain and integrated behavioral interventions to increase patients' self-efficacy to manage CBP. The team included articles in the review that were published more recently and seminal articles in the field of managing CBP.

RESULTS

Given the complex biopsychosocial factors influencing CBP, and the individualized nature of each patient's pain experience, patient psychoeducation should include a multimodal approach, which may include cognitive behavioral strategies to address pain, pain neuroscience education, and education related to lifestyle behaviors such as physical activity, sleep, nutrition, and stress management. Patient education and behavioral interventions integrated within primary care can significantly improve patient engagement and self-reported improvements in pain intensity, functionality, and quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Psychoeducation is foundational for integrative programs aimed at managing CBP.