Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Neuromuscularand Neurosurgery

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a debilitating condition that persists despite the lack of tissue damage and an effective management is still lacking. CLBP is a multifactorial disorder comprising psychosocial factors like pain catastrophization, fear avoidance and central sensitization. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on CLBP patients with Central sensitization. Subjects and Methods: This randomized clinical study was conducted on thirty patients of both genders having chronic low back pain with central sensitization, their age ranged from 20-37years old. Patients were divided into two groups. First group received Cognitive Behavioral Therapy comprising of one session neurophysiology education, one biofeedback relaxation session. Second group received conventional physiotherapy program comprising 12 sessions of TENS and core strengthening exercises over the course of 4 weeks. Results: showed a significant improvement in pain intensity according to the NPRS of 30.02% in the CBT group while only 5.82% in the conventional physiotherapy group. Conclusion: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has a significant effect on chronic low back pain, disability and fear avoidance behavior related to its central sensitivity aspects which are neglected by conventional treatment physiotherapy. Larger studies are required to establish tbest feasible treatment protocol.

Issued also as CD