Gaps
between evidence and practice in treatment of low back pain (LBP) exist,
with limited use of recommended first-line treatments and
inappropriately high use of imaging, rest, opioids, spinal injections
and surgery. Doing more of the same will not reduce the burden of LBP.
The Lancet 2018 LBP series working group identified effective, promising
or emerging solutions such as promotion of activity and function,
redesign of clinical pathways, integrated health and occupational
interventions, changes in compensation and disability policies, and
public health prevention strategies.
Dr. Gross will
discuss efforts made towards changing practices in order to tackle the
burden of LBP in two Canadian provinces, Alberta and Ontario. He will
share experiences in developing clinical practice guidelines, clinical
pathways and novel rehabilitation interventions for workers, as well as
experiences evaluating a mass media campaign (BackActive) for the
population of Alberta. Finally, Dr. Gross will share insights on the
process of writing the Lancet LBP series and follow-up global media
initiative to raise awareness of the call for action.
