Background & Aims

Prior research demonstrated people in Northern America (NA) hold predominately outdated beliefs about low back pain (LBP); such beliefs were attributed to healthcare professionals (HCPs). Consequently, further research is needed to explore NA clinician beliefs about LBP.

Methods

We conducted a primarily qualitative cross-sectional online survey to assess LBP beliefs in a NA based clinician population (USA and Canada).

Results

163 participants were included. Most participants reported multiple causes for LBP as well as persistence and recurrence, aligning with a BioPsychoSocial (BPS) model. However, many references were anchored to biology, while psychological references involved patient blaming. Many management strategies aligned with guideline care but referenced inappropriate imaging utilization and reliance on passive interventions while, similar to our prior research, ignoring environmental and social influences.

Conclusions

Our findings diverge from prior research on general population beliefs, demonstrating a BPS understanding of LBP. However, an over reliance on biology remains prevalent while failing to account for environment and social aspects of pain. Further updates are needed for clinical education, while future studies should seek to assess the translation of clinician beliefs into clinical practice and health system constraints.

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Presenting Author

Michael Ray

Poster Authors

Michael Ray

DC, MSc

Bridgewater College

Lead Author

Leah Washington

Bridgewater College

Lead Author

Kyle Kelleran PhD

University at Buffalo, Emergency Department

Lead Author

Bronwyn Lennox Thompson PhD

MSc

University of Otago

Lead Author

Topics

  • Assessment and Diagnosis