Debilitating Workplace Low Back Pain Alleviated by Naturopathic Medicine

Study shows benefits of naturopathic medicine to improve employee pain and quality of life

TORONTO, October 24, 2007: An innovative research study supports the treatment of low back pain with naturopathic medicine to mitigate workplace absenteeism, low productivity and other health-related costs. Undertaken as a joint venture between the Canada Post Corporation (CPC), the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), and the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), the research indicates that workplace initiatives can effectively help employees suffering from chronic back pain.

Chronic low back pain in the workplace has become a serious personal and work-related health issue, accounting for many sick days, decreased quality of life, decreased productivity and increased health-related costs to the employer.

“If you have ever experienced chronic low back pain, you know what it can do to your life,” explains researcher Kieran Cooley, ND. “Activities you love may not be possible and just getting through your work day can be stressful and highly painful.”

In March 2005, more than 70 postal workers participated in a randomized controlled trial in Toronto to assess and treat chronic lower back pain using naturopathic medicine. Volunteers included postal clerks, drivers and letter carriers. The 12-week study assessed back-pain related disability, quality of life, use of prescribed drugs, spinal flexibility, and pain management before, during, and after receiving treatment.

The results clearly demonstrated that the group receiving naturopathic care had clinically and statistically significant positive results including improved physical functioning, decreased disability, significant pain reduction, improved spine flexibility, dramatic reduction in the use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications/painkillers, and improved quality of life including increased energy and vitality.

After completing the study, one postal clerk stated, "…my back had been bothering me for years…I stopped exercising, doing things around the house, and even socializing. Now, the pain is so much less and I’m back to enjoying my life."

The study, recently published in the journal PLoS One, represents the first randomized controlled trial to assess the impact of naturopathic medicine, a whole and holistic system of health care, in the workplace. It demonstrates the effectiveness of a naturopathic medical protocol for the treatment of chronic low back pain. In addition, the study gives credence to the use of a multi-modal holistic and partially-individualized treatment approach using a combination of therapies to address disease. This trial is the first of a series designed and run by CCNM in collaboration with CPC and CUPW for the purpose of improving employee health and quality of life. 
 
About CCNM
CCNM is Canada's premier institute for education and research in naturopathic medicine, offering a rigorous four-year, full-time doctor of naturopathic medicine program. Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of primary health care that addresses the root causes of illness, and promotes health and healing using natural therapies. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are highly educated primary care providers who integrate standard medical diagnostics with a broad range of natural therapies.