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Back School for Low Back Pain

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Topic Overview

A back school is an educational program that teaches you practical information about back care, posture, body mechanics, back exercises, and how to prevent long-term back problems. Going to a back school gives you the tools for self-care, which may improve how well you manage low back pain.

Back school is only as effective as you make it by applying your back-care knowledge on a regular basis. Back school research has produced mixed results.

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Nighttime back pain is a special type of lower back pain that could indicate a serious problem with your spine. In the U.S., between 60% and 80% of the population experiences some form of low back pain. It's the second most common reason people see their doctor. But as debilitating as back pain can be, most instances of it are manageable, and people who get adequate rest and proper exercise often see improvement within a matter of weeks. With nighttime back pain, however, people can't get the...

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Some studies have shown that back school can improve acute low back pain and speed recovery. Other studies have shown no benefit or mixed results.¹ For chronic pain, back school is likely to help reduce pain and increase your ability to be active.²
One study suggests that back school is as effective as manual treatments for relieving some low back pain.³

Ask your health insurance provider or doctor for the name of a local back school. You may find a back school program in your nearest rehabilitation hospital or outpatient program. Or you may find a back school that is an independent clinic.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: February 04, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.