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Back school for low back pain

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A back school is an educational program that teaches you practical information about back care, posture, body mechanics, back exercises, and preventing long-term back problems. Attending a back school gives you the tools for self-care, which may improve how well you manage low back pain.

Back school is only as effective as you make it by applying your back-care knowledge on a regular basis. Back school research has produced mixed results.

  • While some studies have shown that back school can improve acute low back pain and speed recovery, other studies have shown no benefit or mixed results.1 For chronic pain, back school is likely to help reduce pain and increase your ability to be active.2
  • One study suggests that back school is as effective as manual treatments for relieving some low back pain.3

Ask your health insurance provider or health professional for the name of a local back school. You may find a back school program in your nearest rehabilitation hospital or outpatient program, or as an independent clinic.

References

Citations

  1. Koes B, Van Tulder M (2006). Low back pain (acute), search date November 2004. Online version of Clinical Evidence (15).

  2. Van Tulder M, Koes B (2006). Low back pain (chronic), search date November 2004. Online version of Clinical Evidence (15).

  3. Hseih C, et al. (2002). Effectiveness of four conservative treatments for subacute low back pain. Spine, 27(11): 1142–1148.

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Last Updated: February 6, 2008
Author:
Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Medical Review:
William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine

Robert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics


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