COGNITIVE FUNCTIONAL THERAPY: AN INTEGRATED BEHAVIORAL APPROACH FOR THE TARGETED MANAGEMENT OF DISABLING LOW BACK PAIN

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Low back pain (LBP) is described as the leading cause of disability and uses a large portion of health care dollars globally. A biopsychosocial approach that addresses the multidimensional components of the complexity of pain is encouraged in modern pain care. The authors of this study propose that the approach of Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) fulfills this multi-dimensional reasoning framework and allows clinicians to identify the individual contributing factors and create a modifiable treatment plan that is aligned with the patient's goals. This paper lays a framework for individualized care that aims to build self-efficacy and "break the cycle of pain-related distress and disability."

METHODS

This is a perspective paper; there is not a method section. They classify the multidimensional factors associated with LBP as:

• Pain Characteristics
• Pathoanatomical Factors
• Physical Factors
• Psychological Factors (cognitive and emotional)
• Social Factors
• Lifestyle Factors
• Health-related Factors

These factors are assessed as part of the interview and taken into consideration in designing a program for the patient along with a physical examination that includes sensory and movement assessment.

Treatment from a CFT approach has 3 key components:

• Making sense of pain
• Exposure with control
• Lifestyle change

RESULTS

This paper describes the theoretical perspective for CFT with 3 case studies presented. The team finds successful outcomes per their reports, although no specific data is given in this paper beyond the case studies.

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