Research into the RealHealth programme for scoliosis and chronic lower back pain

Can non-surgical treatment help with scoliosis and chronic lower back pain?

Hoevenaars, E. H., Beekhuizen, M., O’Dowd, J., Spruit, M., & van Hooff, M. L. (2022). Non-surgical treatment for adult spinal deformity: results of an intensive combined physical and psychological programme for patients with adult spinal deformity and chronic low back pain—a treatment-based cohort study. European Spine Journal, 31(5), 1189-1196

What is the study about?

This study looks at adults with a curvature of the spine (also known as scoliosis) who also suffer from chronic lower back pain. Surgery is not always possible or desirable. This study looked at whether non-surgical treatment can also help.

What exactly is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine has an abnormal curve or twist. In this study, participants had a curvature of at least 10 degrees (average 21 degrees).

The treatment

The participants in the study followed the RealHealth programme. This is an intensive group treatment that combines physical and psychological components:

• Physical components: relaxation, more flexible movement, building strength.

• Psychological components: learning to fight the pain less, learning how to live with symptoms differently, so that you experience more freedom to do what is important to you.

This is called a “biopsychosocial approach” – you look not only at the physical symptom, but also at how you deal with it and how it affects your life.

What were the results?

• 51% of people improved significantly – they were able to function noticeably better in daily life.

• 33% reached an acceptable level – their symptoms were reduced to such an extent that they could live with them comfortably.

• The improvement persisted even after a year.

• Pain, self-confidence and quality of life also improved.

What is the big news?

This is the first study to show that people with scoliosis and chronic back pain can improve without surgery.

What does this mean in practical terms?

If you have scoliosis with chronic pain and surgery is not an option, there are other possibilities. The RealHealth programme, which helps you regain confidence in your body, do more of what is important to you and work on your mental resilience, can really help - significantly so for about half of the people.