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The Impact of Depressive Symptoms: Considerations for Clinicians Treating Patients with Low Back Pain

Teaser: 

Jessica Wong, DC, MPH,1
Linda Carroll, PhD, 2
Pierre Côté, DC, PhD, 3

1 Research Associate, UOIT-CMCC Centre for Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation, University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) and Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC).
2Professor Emeritus, School of Public Health, University of Alberta.
3 Professor and Canada Research Chair in Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT); Director, UOIT-CMCC Centre for Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation, University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) and Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC).

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract: A considerable proportion of patients with low back pain (LBP) experience depressive symptoms. A clinical case is used to highlight potential steps that clinicians can take to help manage depressive symptoms in these patients: 1) Assess for depressive symptoms using a valid and reliable questionnaire; 2) Provide education, reassurance, and self-management strategies to initiate the program of care; 3) Adjust care plans if patients also present with depressive symptoms (e.g., ongoing support and education); and 4) Provide ongoing assessment of depressive symptoms, and consider referrals to a specialist or other health care providers (e.g., counselors, clinical psychologists, or psychiatrists) for further evaluation if symptoms are worsening.
Key Words: Low back pain, depressive symptoms, depression, depressive disorder.

Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada may claim MAINPRO-M2 Credits for this unaccredited educational program.

www.cfpc.ca/Mainpro_M2

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A considerable proportion of patients with low back pain present with depressive symptoms
Depressive symptomatology includes depression that has not been formally diagnosed and symptoms that do not meet the criteria for depression
The presence of depression may indicate poorer recovery from low back pain
Patients experiencing low back pain and concomitant depressive symptoms may benefit from ongoing assessments, education, reassurance, and self-management strategies
Assess for depressive symptoms in patients with LBP using a valid and reliable questionnaire (e.g., Patient Health Questionnaire-9)
Provide education, reassurance, and self-management strategies to all patients with LBP to initiate the program of care
Adjust the care plan accordingly if patients also present with depressive symptoms, including additional support and education (e.g., addressing misconceptions, encouraging activity) on an ongoing basis
Provide ongoing assessment of depressive symptoms, and consider referrals for further evaluation if symptoms are worsening
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Importance of Screening Children with Adenotonsillar Hypertrophy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Teaser: 

Madison O.L. Rays, Sharon Chung, PhD, Maya Capua, MD, Colin M. Shapiro, MBBCh, PhD, FRCPC,

Youthdale Child and Adolescent Sleep Centre and Youthdale Treatment Centres, Toronto, ON.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder in which patients stop breathing repeatedly during sleep, and it is linked to a number of serious medical consequences. However, most patients with OSA remain undiagnosed. The consequences of OSA are particularly severe in children. Adenotonsillar hypertrophy (AT) is a major factor in the etiology of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) in children. Physicians should consider snoring, pauses in breathing while asleep, restless sleep, bizarre sleeping positions, paradoxical chest movements, cyanosis, bedwetting, hyperactivity, and disruptive behaviour in school as possible indications of untreated OSA in children. The presentation of OSA in children differs substantially from that in adults. For example, hyperactivity is often a primary symptom in children but is not a symptom typically found in adults.
Key Words: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), children, adenotonsillar hypertrophy (AT), medical consequences.
The presentation of OSA in children is significantly different than that in adults; hyperactivity can be a primary symptom in children but is not typically found in adults.
Adenotonsillar hypertrophy is an indicator of undiagnosed OSA in children and merits a sleep study.
Untreated OSA in children can lead to medical and psychiatric issues.
Adenotonsillectomy, a common treatment for OSA in children with large tonsils, not only reduces or eliminates the OSA, but in most cases improves the associated behavioral problems.
Evidence-based medicine supports the need for children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy to be referred to a sleep specialist to be screened for OSA regardless of the degree of tonsillar enlargement.
The I'm Sleepy questionnaire allows doctors to quickly and easily identify children with a high risk of having OSA.
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JCCC 2018 Issue 4

Table of Contents

Exercise Prescription for Back Pain

Teaser: 

Eugene K. Wai, MD, MSc, CIP, FRCSC1
R. Michael Galbraith, DO, CCFP (SEM), Dip Sport Med2
Denise C. Lawrence Wai BScPT3
Susan Yungblut, PT, MBA4
Ted Findlay, DO, CCFP, FCFP5

1 is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the care of adult spinal disorders. He is also an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Ottawa. In addition he is the Research Chair for the Canadian Spine Society.
2Private practice Elite Sports Medicine in Lethbridge, AB.. Head Team Physician, Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL). Clinical Lecturer, Dept of Family Medicine, University of Calgary School of Medicine.
3 is a Physical Therapist in Ottawa and a Research Assistant at The Ottawa Hospital.
4 Physiotherapist, Liquidgym, Ottawa; Nordic Walking Instructor and Urban Poling Master Trainer, OttawaNordicWalks; Past Director, Exercise is Medicine Canada
5 is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Calgary. He is also in a Private Family Medicine practice. In addition he is on Medical Staff at Alberta Health Services, Calgary Zone in Calgary, Alberta.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract: Exercise is one of the most effective and simplest evidence-based recommendations to manage acute and chronic back pain. This paper discusses the physiology and evidence to support exercise as effective treatment. We will provide guidance on how to assess and prescribe exercise and offer methods to educate and encourage physical activity for patients with back pain.
Key Words: Back Pain, Physical Activity, Exercise Prescription, Motivational Interviewing.

Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada may claim MAINPRO-M2 Credits for this unaccredited educational program.

www.cfpc.ca/Mainpro_M2

You can take quizzes without subscribing; however, your results will not be stored. Subscribers will have access to their quiz results for future reference.

1. Exercise is one of the most effective and simplest evidence-based recommendations to manage acute and chronic back pain.
2. For chronic back pain the most important exercise is the one the patient will actually do.
3. For acute back pain the exercise prescriptions should take into account the patient's directional preference of exercise (Pattern of Pain) and the patient's unique situation.
4. Exercise Prescriptions should include the F.I.T.T. principle (Frequency, Intensity, Time and Type).
Simply asking the patient about exercise has been shown to be effective in improving health outcomes. Consistent messaging about the positive role of physical activity is important.
Most forms of physical activity are usually beneficial. The exercise prescription should take in to account what the patient is actually prepared to do.
Patients often require reassurance that pain associated with exercising does not lead to physical harm.
Motivational interviewing is a structured, empathetic method to engage resistant patients.
Walking is free.
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