| dc.description |
This study represents a continuation of research that has focused on the treatment of acute low back pain (ALBP ) patients using techniques designed to address the psychosocial , as well as physical , aspects of pain . Initially , an algorithm was developed by Gatchel et al . (1995a ) to identify patients suffering from ALBP who were at high -risk for developing chronic low back pain (CLBP ) . An interdisciplinary early intervention program was then implemented by Gatchel et al . (2003 ) to discourage the progression of ALBP to CLBP . Previous studies demonstrated the effectiveness of the early intervention program in reducing levels of pain and disability as compared to those not receiving additional treatment . Another advantage that the treatment group had , relative to the "treatment as usual" group , was cost -effectiveness , as evidenced by lower levels of healthcare utilization , time away from work and medication costs .
Due to the important position that work status holds in a discussion of disability and costs associated with injury , a work transition component was added to the early intervention program . Individuals considered high -risk for developing LBP were randomly assigned into one of four groups : early intervention (EI ) ; early intervention with work transition (EI /WT ) ; work transition (NI /W ) ; and non -intervention (NI ) . A one -year prospective study looked at how these groups differed regarding outcome measures designed to evaluate pain level , coping abilities and work status (Holberg &Gatchel , 2007 ) . Earlier findings were confirmed regarding the effectiveness of early intervention programs at addressing these issues , but a small sample size did not allow for conclusive results .
The current study expanded upon previous research by utilizing additional instruments in the measurement of the physical and psychosocial status of those at high risk for developing CLBP , including cortisol analyses intended to demonstrate the interplay between the physical and mental aspects of pain . In addition to these measures , an increase in sample size allowed for greater statistical power and more definitive statements regarding the long -term efficacy of early intervention interdisciplinary programs for the treatment of ALBP . |
|