Work

Insurance directed conservative care for low back pain: A prospective observational study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Low back pain (LBP) is commonly managed under insurance-directed care models that mandate a trial of conservative treatment before authorizing advanced imaging or interventional procedures. This study prospectively evaluates the clinical outcomes of a six-week care program as mandated by insurers. Methods: New adult patients with LBP presenting to an academic spine clinic were enrolled. Exclusion criteria included cervical complaints, worker's compensation, and litigation. Patients received treatment pathways based on physician discretion and patient adherence. Patients were categorized into four treatment pathways at their 6-week follow up: Medication + Therapy, Medication Only, Therapy Only, or Neither. Primary outcomes were Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at 6 weeks. Results: Ninety-nine patients (mean age 57.8 years; duration of pain 52 months) completed the study. At 6 weeks, pathways including medication (Medication + Therapy and Medication Only) showed modest analgesic improvement (NRS change -1.2 and -1.8, respectively). The Therapy Only group (n = 9) showed minimal change from a lower baseline severity. Among patients prescribed physical therapy (PT), those who attended (n = 37) achieved superior 6-week scores in pain (3.8 vs 4.4, p = 0.04) and disability (20.5 vs 25.7) compared to non-attendees, though attendees had lower baseline severity. Higher PT session counts were not associated with greater symptom relief. Opioid use (n = 12) was not associated with improved outcomes. Conclusion: Mandated conservative care produced only modest improvement in pain and/or function over 6 weeks. While medication inclusion provided consistent relief, PT attendance, rather than session frequency, was the primary factor associated with better functional status. These data support setting realistic expectations for early conservative management.

Source: Interventional Pain Medicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.inpm.2026.100741

Authors: David Sherwood, Margaret Helen Rutherford Riser, Peter Chia Yeh, Augustine C. Lee, Byron Schneider

Institutions: Vanderbilt University, OrthoVirginia, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation

Subfield: Pharmacology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,400