Introduction

Chronic low back pain (LBP) management often requires a complete lifestyle change for effective, long-lasting pain relief. For some persons with LBP, unhealthy behaviours such as substance abuse, lack of social connectedness, and poor self-care can contribute to the chronicity of LBP. This course, the fifth and final in a five-part series, considers how lifestyle behavioural factors can influence the severity and longevity of LBP. This course also includes a required case study that will review all integrative lifestyle medicine topics discussed in this series, allowing the participant to practise providing holistic whole-person care.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• describe the effect substance abuse disorders can have on chronic low back pain
• discuss methods for changing addictive behaviours within the framework of integrative lifestyle medicine
• explain the connection between social connectedness and low back pain
• describe the effect integrative exercises and treatments can have on chronic low back pain
• design an intervention programme for Mr. Smith from the presented case study within the framework of integrative lifestyle medicine

Target audience

This course is aimed at Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy clinicians, students and assistants. Other interested professionals such as athletic trainers, occupational therapists, nurses or medical doctors interested in this subject are also invited to participate.

Practicalities

• Availability - this course is online and can be completed on your own schedule.
• Hours of Learning - No deadlines are applied to this course and it can be started and completed in your own time according to your personal schedule. We expect the required elements to take around 1.5-2 hours depending on your schedule and learning style. Additionally there are many optional resources provided and if you choose to review these the course could take longer to complete.
• Types of Activities - This course includes instructional and/or practical videos, reading activities, AI supported learning activities, reflection, evaluation forms, a quiz and additional resources.
• Certificates - At the end of the course, when you have completed all of the required elements, you will be able to download a certificate of completion and 1.3 Plus points will be added to your personalised learning dashboard.

Instructor financial and non-financial disclosures

Financial disclosure by Z Altug: I published the book, The Lifestyle Medicine Toolbox with Jessica Kingsley Publishers (London) on February 21, 2024.
No relevant non-financial relationships disclosed by instructor.

Accessibility and Non-Discrimination Policy

Physiopedia Plus is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all participants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, disability, military status, sexual orientation or age in any aspect of our continuing education services. We are dedicated to ensuring that all learners can fully participate in our programmes. Participants who require accommodations or have special needs are encouraged to contact us with details so that we can make all reasonable efforts to meet these requirements.