Potential analysis for patient education in acute non-specific low back pain / Potenzialanalyse zur Patienten/-innenedukation bei akuten unspezifischen lumbalen Rückenschmerzen

Abstract Health problem Recent health insurance statistics show that low back pain (LBP) takes the first place in individual diagnoses according to sick leave statistics. As stated by the German back pain study of 2003/2006, long-term prevalence amounts to a total of 74 % to 85 %. In the case of acute unspecific LRS guidelines, recommend the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and patient education in order to motivate the patient to retain an active lifestyle, to stay physically active and to inform the patient about the background of the symptoms. Studies about the current medical supply situation in Germany show injections and passive therapy methods are part of the standard care, whereas educational measures are generally not applied. Evidence A Cochrane Review indicates the effectiveness of educational measures that have a duration of 2 hours. Education in the recommended intensity can probably not be realized by health care practitioners within the time framework set aside for treatment and advice. Because of their range of services and their professional competence physical and occupational therapists appear to be predestined for this type of education as intervention. Research recommendations In order to assess the potential of such an intervention for a later more extensive efficacy study a feasibility study should be carried out first. The focus is on assessing the feasibility and the evaluation of intervention education.