Web-Based Education to Support Treatment of Low Back Pain

Background: Low back pain is one of the most common causes for seeking medical care in the United States. It is estimated that nearly 85% of individuals will experience back pain in their lifetimes with 23% of them progressing to chronic low back pain. The use of technology has been documented as a potential method for improving outcomes associated with musculoskeletal complaints such as function, pain, quality of life, and self-efficacy.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing web-based education to support low back pain treatment for working-aged patients with low back pain when integrated with standard care. Secondary aims of this study are to examine the impact on reported pain levels, self-efficacy, and satisfaction with the web-based intervention in managing low back pain.
Methods: A convenience sample of 17 participants was recruited from a sub-specialty spinal clinic and pre- and post-intervention comparisons were completed using validated questionnaires to evaluate function, pain, and self-efficacy. All participants were encouraged to complete questionnaires online and then to access web-based intervention throughout study period. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were completed on participants completing pre-intervention questionnaires (n=15) and post-intervention questionnaires (n=6).
Study Design: Pre- and post-intervention design
Results: Overall response rate for intervention was 35%. Demographics showed the majority of the sample to be female, white, and over the age of 40. There was no statistical significance in changes in function, pain, self-efficacy, or within group differences of pre- and post-intervention groups. Qualitative data suggests participants find this intervention acceptable and of value for obtaining education and information.
Conclusions: The use of web-based education is to support treatment of low back pain and further research is needed to determine impact to function, pain, and self-efficacy.