A Multimodal Approach to Pain Management for Patients with Chronic Back Pain: Outcome Measures at 1 Year

Purpose of Review: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a multimodal approach to treating chronic low back pain. Recent Findings: Chronic non-cancer-related back pain is often a frustrating and poorly managed problem for patients. It poses a significant public health issue worsened by the widespread use of narcotics. In 2016, the CDC released guidelines with noticeably more strict recommendations on prescription of narcotics for pain. Summary: Veterans at an interventional pain clinic presenting with chronic back pain refractory to medical and to surgical care were enrolled in an 8-week interdisciplinary pain management program. Pain scores were significantly reduced 1 year after completion of the program. Patients in this study benefitted from lower and sustained pain scores, a reduction in emergency room, and urgent care clinic visits, as well as generally high satisfaction with the interdisciplinary program.