THE ROLE OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF LOW BACK PAIN (LUMBO-SACRAL DYSFUNCTIONS)
Abstract
This paper focuses on the role of clinical psychologists in the management of low back pain and the development of persistent pain and disability. How basic psychological processes have been incorporated into theoretical models that have implications for physical therapy. To this end, the key psychological factors associated with the experience of back pain are synthesized, and an over view of how they have been integrated into the major models of pain and disability in the scientific literature is presented. Low back pain has clear emotional and behavioural consequences that influence the development of persistent problems and the outcome of treatments. It seems that individuals who suffer from low back pain, more often than others, have aggression problems and weaknesses in their ego function and more frequently have problems in their interpersonal relations. Besides this psychological factors are not routinely assessed in physical therapy clinics, nor are they sufficiently utilized to enhance treatment. Based on a review of the scientific evidence, a set of ten (10) principles that have likely implications for clinical practice is offered. This is because clinical psychological processes have an influence on both the client’s experience of back pain and the treatment outcome. The integration of psychological principles into physical therapy treatment would seem to have potential to enhance outcome.
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