Unpublished MSc thesis, Victoria University, 2005/01, 54, type of study: ,css,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Free full text   (https://vuir.vu.edu.au/818/)

Keywords:

attitudes [60]
Australia [175]
chronic pain [323]
cross sectional study [894]
low back pain [523]
OMT [3924]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3945]
osteopaths [269]

Abstract:

Background: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the chief complaints seen by osteopaths. The management and care that practitioners provide for CLB patients as well as their attitudes towards them are crucial in the overall well-being of the patient. Little is known about osteopaths' management of CLBP and their attitudes towards such patients. Objective: To determine the non-manual management modalities commonly employed by osteopaths for CLBP, their view of the perceived effectiveness of these and other modalities and their attitudes towards treating CLBP patients. Methods: A random sample of 453 osteopaths in Australia received by mail a 26 item survey 'Osteopathic Pain Management and Attitude Survey'. Results: There was a 31.3% (N=142) response rate. Physical exercise and patient education were the most commonly prescribed non-manual management for CLBP and considered the most effective. Osteopaths' incorporation into management for CLBP, the psychosocial factors appeared be lacking. Ninety-four percent deemed physical therapy beneficial for CLBP. Eighty-four percent disagreed 'there is nothing physically wrong with CLBP patients'. Conclusion: Management of CLBP by osteopaths does not appropriately consider psychosocial aspects of pain. Osteopaths in this study did not believe that they had 'negative feelings' towards their CLBP patients. There is insufficient evidence to conclude negative attitudes towards CLBP patients. However there is some indication a small number of osteopaths may have potentially undesirable attitudes towards CLBP patients.