Evaluation of Efficacy of Physical Therapy for the Adolescent Patient with Low Back Pain
The purpose of this project was to evaluate the efficacy of physical therapy and provide patient education on various care modalities that are available in the treatment of low back pain in the adolescent patient population.
Background:
Low back pain is a condition affecting many people worldwide. The age of onset is variable, affecting all patient populations from childhood throughout the lifespan. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated the disability associated with low back pain to be among the top ten-diseases/ injuries to affect daily living. According to the WHO, back pain is the second most common cause of years lost to disability (YDL) globally. This has remained unchanged from 2000-2011 (WHO, 2013).
Overall national statistics for the adolescent back pain prevalence are not available; however many studies have been preformed to identify back pain in this patient population. A meta-analysis to identify the prevalence of low back pain in the pediatric population indicated an increased prevalence in this patient population. Recent studies reveal higher prevalence rates; these rates are consistent with rates of low back pain demonstrated in adults with a mean 36% lifetime prevalence for low back pain (Calvo-Munoz, Gomez-Conesa & Sanchez-Meca, 2013).
Project Approach:
The efficacy of physical therapy for the adolescent patient with back pain currently seen in a pediatric orthopedic clinic was evaluated through comparison of pre and post intervention pain scores. Patient compliance with physical therapy was monitored and evaluated against outcomes. A patient education brochure to decrease the recurrence of low back pain and disability was provided and included strength training for core abdominal muscles as well as integrative care options including yoga, healing touch and meditation.
Results/ Outcome:
Data collection is currently in progress; however it is expected there will be a decrease in reported pain scores for the patients who are compliant with prescribed physical therapy.
Conclusions:
Conclusion will be determined following analysis of project results. The addition of patient education and treatment modalities to decrease future recurrence and disability associated with low back pain is expected to have successful positive long-term results within the adolescent patient population.