Establishing a low back school.

We present a plan for establishing a facility for conservative treatment of patients with low back pain. This system is based on a concept of one therapist instructing one patient in certain anatomy and body mechanics appropriate to his needs. Audiovisual programs are used in this part of the program. Exercises are prescribed for specific muscle groups important in achieving proper postures during the activities of daily living and to stretch contractures that contribute to lordotic stresses on the lumbar spine. After the completion of three or four sessions necessary to achieve reeducation, the patient is asked to demonstrate his proficiency on an obstacle course. The various requirements in terms of personnel, space, equipment, and printed material for establishing such a low back school are enumerated.