Low Back Pain: Overview for Clinicians

Integrative Health emphasizes mindful awareness and self-care along with conventional and integrative approaches to health and well-being. The Circle of Health highlights eight areas of self-care: Surroundings; Personal Development; Nutrition; Recharge; Family, Friends, & Co-Workers; Spirit & Soul; Mind and Emotions; and Physical Activity.  The narrative below shows what an Integrative Health clinical visit could look like and how to apply the latest research on complementary and integrative health (CIH) to low back pain.

An Integrative Health Approach to low back pain starts with developing a relationship with the patient, listening to their experience of their pain and suffering, and often validating/being present with the sadness, fear, or anger they feel in their lives. From there, a discussion and understanding of the patient’s Meaning, Aspiration and Purpose (MAP) may unfold through questioning: What matters to you? What do you live for? What do you want your health for? By shining a light on these questions in the context of a relationship with the patient, then a conversation may evolve that incorporates anti-inflammatory diet, supplements, yoga, Pilates, spinal manipulation and other complementary approaches to prevent and treat the pain.

Please see the downloads section for more detailed clinician and patient information.

Disclaimer: This information is for general education. Please work with your health care practitioner to use it in the best way possible to promote your health.