Lower back pain: what if the solution lies in your lifestyle? 🥗

A study followed 346 participants suffering from chronic low back pain and presenting at least one lifestyle-related risk factor, such as obesity or sedentary behavior. Half of them benefited from the HeLP (Healthy Lifestyle Program), which combines consultations with physiotherapists, dietitians, and health coaches.

For six months, participants received personalized advice to improve their diet, increase their physical activity, and better manage their sleep or alcohol consumption. This approach significantly reduced their disability, as measured by a specific questionnaire.

Encouraging results

Participants in the HeLP program saw their disability score decrease by an average of 1.3 points on the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), compared to those who received standard care. They also lost 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) more than the control group, demonstrating the concrete benefits of this approach.

These results suggest that lower back pain cannot be treated solely by targeting the spine. A comprehensive approach, including lifestyle changes, seems essential for achieving lasting improvements.

Rethinking the management of low back pain

Researchers emphasize the importance of moving beyond traditional treatments, which are often ineffective or risky. According to them, patients should be informed about lifestyle-related risk factors and receive appropriate support to modify them.

This study could influence future medical recommendations by encouraging healthcare professionals to integrate more advice on diet, physical activity, and stress management into their daily practice.

An approach that empowers patients

Participants in the HeLP program appreciated the personalized support and felt more involved in their treatment. This method allowed them to regain control over their pain and improve their overall well-being.

In addition to relieving lower back pain, this approach could reduce the risk of other chronic diseases, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disorders, offering multiple health benefits.

To go further: What is the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ)?

The Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) is a widely used tool to assess the impact of lower back pain on daily life. It consists of 24 questions about common activities, such as getting up, walking, or dressing, that pain may limit.

Each question answered positively by the patient adds one point to the total score, which therefore ranges from 0 (no disability) to 24 (maximum disability). The higher the score, the more the pain affects the ability to perform daily tasks.

The RMDQ is particularly useful for measuring patient progress over time. For example, a reduction of 2 to 3 points is considered a clinically significant improvement, reflecting better functioning and increased quality of life.

This tool is appreciated for its simplicity and speed of use, making it a preferred instrument for researchers and clinicians in evaluating treatments for low back pain.