The May 15 issue of
Spine published the results of an observational study (basically a survey sent to randomly selected groups of primary care docs) conducted in Australia in 1997, 2000 and 2004. The study found that the more a primary care physician claimed to specialize in back pain, the less her advice corresponded with recommendations backed by science. Most of these "specialists" believed that bed rest and avoiding work were the best cures for a bad back. In reality,
this recommendation was rejected years ago in favor of reduced or modified activity. About 3831 physicians participated in the survey.
On the disparity between science based treatment recommendations and care as usual by family doctors who "specialize", the study authors say, "this has serious implications for management of back pain."
| Signs You Need Medical Attention for Your Back | Types of Back Pain Doctors | Bedrest v. Reduced Activity |
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