Engage 2021: Mechanics and Management of Acute Recurrent Low Back Pain

Linda Wheatland Smith, DC, is the owner of Hands on Health, an integrated practice including acupuncture, massage therapy, chiropractic care, and rehabilitation. She will present “Mechanics and Management of Acute Recurrent Low Back Pain” at this year’s virtual Engage 2021 conference on Saturday, Feb. 6, from 2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. ET (1 CE is available for attendees of this session). Below, ACA Blogs asks Dr. Smith what doctors can expect.

Register for Engage 2021 here.

How is the topic you are presenting relevant to today’s chiropractor? 

Low back pain afflicts 84 percent of the population. The 2017 guidelines established by the American College of Physicians lists manipulation, acupuncture and massage therapy as the top interventions to manage this expensive, pervasive condition. It’s our turn to be the first healthcare worker to see these patients. My presentation will give you a comprehensive approach to the most acute stages of low back pain presenting to the clinician.

Can the information you will share help doctors better navigate these challenging times in some way? 

The protocol that I will present is efficient, effective and comprehensive. A significant part of it can be presented to the patient over a telehealth format. The need for many visits is reduced with this protocol.

What practical knowledge or skills can attendees take away from your presentation and start using immediately in their practices? 

The acute low back pain patient is often disabled and in severe distress. My program will give you clear guidelines and methods to handle this difficult patient the moment he/she appears in your office, in person or over a telehealth portal.

How have you adapted professionally to practicing during the pandemic? Have you learned any lessons that you can share? 

I now have air purifiers and fans in my office. I keep a window open. I wear an N95 mask and goggles. I take temperatures and histories when the patient arrives. Both the patient and I are masked throughout the entire treatment. I clean all the surfaces between visits.

Is there anything else about you or your presentation that you think would be of interest to our readers? 

I have been in practice for 38 years. I have paid close attention to clinical outcomes in my office and the literature in the journals about low back pain. I have managed very severe cases of low back pain, leg pain, disc ruptures, and radiculopathy. I have studied how the medical model has failed the low back pain patient, and what we have to offer this patient. I also see that the chiropractic model of many quick visits can miss the chance to help this patient receive the most effective care. I look forward to sharing my experience with the participants of Engage 2021!

Editor’s Note: Doctors of chiropratic can earn up to 10 CE credits at Engage 2021. Advance registration discounts are available. Learn more and register here.