The "Munchner Rucken-Intensiv-Programm". Prospective study to evaluate a multimodal functional restoration program for patients suffering from chronic back pain

Abstract

Back pain is an often reported complaint. Although the prognosis of acute back pain is generally good, this syndrome leads to very high costs for the social and health care systems. The reason is that back pain has a tendency to become chronic. As a result, nearly 50% of patients suffering from chronic back pain for more than six months, are unable to work In order to avoid this problem, a multimodal treatment program including somatic, psychological and social parameters is needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the practicability and efficacy of a functional restoration program, in which improvement of physical activity and cooperation of the patients as well as reintegration into working life were the primary targets. Methods: Within one year 42 patients (16 men, 26 women, average age 42 years) suffering from chronic back pain were included. They took part at the program which was performed daily for 4 weeks. Before starting the program (t0) as well as at its end (t1) and six months later (t2) pain intensity, severity of depression, subjective disability, psychovegetative signs, frequency of medical treatment and return to work were assessed. Results: At the end of the treatment program as well as six months later all parameters had significantly improved compared to the baseline values. Only two patients had to interrupt the program because of independent of back pain diseases. In total 11 (58%) of the patients who were unable to work at the first visit (n = 19) were reintegrated into the working environment. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that the multimodal program of functional restoration including physical, psychological and social factors is an effective treatment in patients suffering from chronic back pain with respect to return to work.