A nutritionist will advise you about healthy food choices to help foster healing. A behavioral psychologist will guide you through the thought processes that affect function and help reduce disability. The focus is on enablement, not disablement. The psychologist helps the client identify and overcome barriers to recovery.

A physical therapist addresses issues of body mechanics, deconditioning, and pacing activities and exercise. An occupational therapist helps the patient work through rehab with an eye to physical and vocational needs.

The goal is to returning to work. This may be on a part-time basis at first with some restrictions. Over time, the worker is advanced in skill and physical capacity. If pain remains a problem, a pain specialist (nurse or doctor) can guide you in finding the best pain management program. This may include injections, nerve blocks, or devices such as a spinal pain pump.

FR is a medical rehabilitation approach to chronic low back pain. Ask your doctor if you qualify for such a program. Find out if there is anything like this already available in your area.

If not, you may have to seek the services of each individual with your doctor acting as the medical director to coordinate services. In a true FR program, all services are housed under one roof. Services are provided by each specialist as needed.