A cognitive process is a change that occurs within a cognitive factor, measured before and after treatment was received. There is evidence that cognitive processes strongly influence the outcome measures in patients with chronic lower back pain. These processes might even be considered to play a more important role than physical and/or behavioral processes. This means that changing certain cognitive factors during physiotherapy treatment, must be made a priority.

In a study done by Woby et al. (2008) they found that changes in cognitive factors such as a reduction in fear of movement and catastrophizing, and an increase in functional self-efficacy was very important. Changes in these cognitive factors lead to changes in pain, disability and depression (measured pre- and post-treatment).

Due to these findings the conclusion was made that cognitive factors play a vital role in the treatment of patients with chronic lower back pain.

This article demonstrates the power and the importance of "targeting the brain" in chronic lower back pain and to not only focus on physical factors of chronic lower back pain during physiotherapy treatment.

Reference: Woby, S.R., Roach, N.K., Urmston, M. and Watson, P.J., 2008. Outcome following a physiotherapist-led intervention for chronic low back pain: the important role of cognitive processes. Physiotherapy, 94(2), pp.115-124.

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Posted by: Ilse van Vuuren