NEW PARADIGM FOR MANAGEMENT OF LOW BACK PAIN IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE: PLANNING AND RESOLVING

Abstract

Introduction: Epidemiological surveys of the most prevalent health conditions in primary care enable better resource allocation and the development of health programs. Analysis of data from eight years of primary care records revealed that spinal disorders are the most prevalent and have been recurring annually. Among these conditions, low back pain had the largest proportion, accounting for 63% of all spinal disorders. To enable a paradigm shift in current treatments for this condition, aiming for a more effective and efficient resolution, the Pilates Method was offered to patients with low back pain in primary care in the municipality of São Miguel da Boa Vista, Santa Catarina. The Pilates Method is known to improve agonist and antagonist muscle relationships, favoring the work of stabilizing muscles, preventing and treating various disorders of the lumbar spine. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Pilates method in treating patients with low back pain in São Miguel da Boa Vista, Santa Catarina. Methodology: This is a quantitative, case study, cross-sectional, exploratory, and descriptive field study. The research locus was the Basic Unit and Health Academy of São Miguel da Boa Vista. The sample included patients diagnosed with low back pain, who underwent an evaluation with a physiotherapist and were subsequently referred for Pilates. Pilates was administered to 10 groups of six patients each. Initially and after three months of treatment, three analytical and measurement instruments were administered: the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability (OQ) Questionnaire, and the Brazilian Version of the Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF-36). Results: Statistically significant differences in pain, disability, and quality of life were observed among individuals with low back pain after treatment with the Pilates method. Conclusion: The Pilates method stands out as an effective therapeutic intervention in the treatment of patients with low back pain, providing pain reduction, improved quality of life, and reduced disabilities associated with low back pain.