Help managing acute low back pain in adults

This is part of an ongoing series of articles focusing on the tools and resources available to help FEP^® members manage their health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 2.5 million Americans visit an outpatient clinical setting each year for the treatment of low back pain. To help doctors treat patients with this pain, the Michigan Quality Improvement Consortium developed a Management of Acute Low Back Pain in Adults** guideline.

The MQIC guideline focuses on assessment and conservative treatments for patients with no red flags of a more serious pathology. Diagnostic tests or imaging such as X-ray, CT scan or MRI are usually not required to treat low back pain in the first six weeks of onset. By avoiding imaging, exposure to radiation and health care costs are reduced.

To help patients recover from low back pain and for long-term protection, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons developed a Spine Conditioning Program.** The program, developed in 2017, features a wide range of exercises designed to strengthen and support the spine.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program^® members can also access WebMD^® Interactive Resources with a MyBlue^® account. There, members can find information on the management and prevention of acute low back pain.

If you or members have questions about the online interactive resources and benefit information, call Customer Service at 1-800-482-3600.

**Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan doesn’t own or control this website.