Introduction

Sleep disturbances and disruptions in well-being are common complaints, and both can increase pain symptoms in individuals with chronic low back pain (LBP). These comorbidities are more prevalent in the midst of the stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic and place a greater demand on physiotherapists to offer effective treatment. This course, the fourth in a five-part series, discusses the relationship between sleep, psychological well-being and chronic LBP, as well as integrative exercises to effectively treat and empower patients to decrease their pain symptoms. It also discusses how integrative lifestyle medicine can provide effective, patient-centred, whole-person treatments to manage and improve pain.

Learning outcomes

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

• explain the importance of proper sleep and how physiotherapists can have an influence on some sleep disorders
• summarise the effect of poor sleep on chronic LBP
• discuss stress management and how integrative lifestyle medicine can play a role in maintaining balanced psychological well-being
• describe the effect of poorly managed stress on chronic LBP
• design an appropriate evidence-based management strategy for an individual with chronic LBP based on a case scenario

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 1-1.5 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 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.