An RNOH programme, which aims to empower people with chronic back pain, will be the focus of BBC Radio 4's Case Notes.

The two-year multidisciplinary Active Back Programme aims to treat patients with severe and resistant chronic back pain who have not responded to treatment.

It moves away from seeking a medical cure or reduction in pain intensity, focusing instead on self-management through education sessions, tailored exercises, psychological support and practical coping and problem-solving strategies. 

Dr Jan Gawronski, Spinal Rehabilitation Consultant said: "Around one third of the UK adult population suffer from back pain each year and a small proportion develop chronic pain and disability.

"The Active Back Programme works with patients to help them to self-manage their condition. We have seen great results, for example, more than half of patients on long term sick-leave return to work and the majority of patients struggling to continue working are able to do so."

Programme aims:

• Decrease the effects of pain
• Increase physical fitness
• Restore confidence in performing activities that patients enjoy
• Improve the patients' understanding of how to manage back pain
• Improve the patients' quality of life
• Enable patients to manage their back problem independently 

Radio 4's Case Notes has dedicated one of its programmes to the Active Back Programme, which will be broadcast on Tuesday, 2 February, at 21.00 and repeated on Wednesday, 3 February, at 16.30.

Patients who are referred onto the programme generally stay in a nearby hotel and attend sessions Monday to Friday from 09.00 to 17.00 and go home at the weekends.

There are four follow-up sessions with the therapist during the two years and patients' progress is evaluated. For patients with a very significant psychosocial or physical impairment, a referral to the inpatient Pain Management Programme can be made.

For further information download: A Patient's Guide to the Active Back Programme.
Or visit: The Active Back Programme page.

How to get referred to the Active Back Programme
Your doctor can make a referral to: