Integrative Health emphasizes mindful awareness and self-care along with conventional and integrative approaches to health and well-being. The Circle of Health highlights eight areas of self-care: Surroundings; Personal Development; Nutrition; Recharge; Family, Friends, & Co-Workers; Spirit & Soul; Mind and Emotions; and Physical Activity.  The narrative below shows what an Integrative Health clinical visit could look like and how to apply the latest research on complementary and integrative health (CIH) to low back pain.

An Integrative Health Approach to low back pain starts with developing a relationship with the patient, listening to their experience of their pain and suffering, and often validating/being present with the sadness, fear, or anger they feel in their lives. From there, a discussion and understanding of the patient’s Meaning, Aspiration and Purpose (MAP) may unfold through questioning: What matters to you? What do you live for? What do you want your health for? By shining a light on these questions in the context of a relationship with the patient, then a conversation may evolve that incorporates anti-inflammatory diet, supplements, yoga, Pilates, spinal manipulation and other complementary approaches to prevent and treat the pain.

Meet the Patient

Linda is a 42-year-old woman who has suffered from chronic low back pain since a motor vehicle accident 10 years ago.  She has tried many of the standard treatments for chronic back pain but has become frustrated with the lack of progress.  She has been reading about various alternative treatments for her pain and is requesting that her clinician help her to navigate these options. 

Linda’s low back pain has waxed and waned over the last 10 years, but it has been progressively worsening in the past year.  She has tried various treatments for her pain such as physical therapy, steroid injections, and medications, including muscle relaxants and opioids.  She currently takes hydrocodone/acetaminophen for pain one to three times daily and often uses cyclobenzaprine, a muscle relaxant, before bed.  Linda has become frustrated with the current approach to her pain.  She suffers from medication side effects, including constipation, poor memory, and drowsiness.  Despite these side effects, she does not feel that her pain is well controlled.  Her doctor has recommended that she take home and complete a Personal Health Inventory (PHI) to help her identify other possible approaches to treating her pain.