Chronic Back Pain Program
12-week multidisciplinary program for chronic low back pain in Beirut
Introduction
Chronic low back pain is one of the most common causes of long-term discomfort and reduced quality of life. When pain persists for several months, it rarely stays a problem of the spine and muscles alone. It also changes movement patterns, physical conditioning, and pain perception.
Our 12-week multidisciplinary program is designed to address these different factors through a comprehensive approach combining pain management, osteopathy, physiotherapy, rehabilitation exercises, and cognitive behavioural therapy, all in one program. The goal is to reduce pain, restore movement, improve physical function, and help patients regain confidence in daily activities.
Who is this Program for?
This program is designed for individuals who:
- Have chronic low back pain (more than 3 months) after exclusion of specific spinal pathology
- Suffer from recurrent or persistent back pain
- Have difficulty returning to physical activity because of the pain
- Want a structured rehabilitation approach for managing chronic pain
Chronic Back Pain Program Overview
The 12-week program combines:
- Initial chronic pain assessment: a complete evaluation of your pain, movement, physical condition, and history, used to design your individual treatment plan.
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation: a progressive, supervised exercise and rehabilitation program to rebuild strength, mobility, and physical confidence.
- Osteopathy and manual therapy: hands-on treatment to relieve pain and improve movement quality.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy: psychological support addressing the stress, sleep, and pain-perception factors that maintain chronic pain.
- Pain neuroscience education and self-management: understanding your pain and learning practical strategies to keep progress going after the program.
The program is fully personalized. Following the initial assessment, the multidisciplinary team designs a treatment plan tailored to each patient, and the type, frequency, and progression of sessions are adapted throughout the program according to your needs and clinical progress.
For full program details and enrollment, contact the clinic. Program details are confirmed during the initial assessment consultation.
Why a Multidisciplinary Program Matters
Our programs are designed according to current scientific evidence and international clinical guidelines for chronic pain management. By bringing all the required specialties together in one place, our team can collaborate closely and regularly review each patient's progress. This coordinated multidisciplinary approach allows treatment strategies to be adapted as the patient progresses, which keeps care effective and personal.
In addition, the structured prepaid program format helps reinforce patient commitment and consistency throughout the rehabilitation process. Many individuals living with chronic pain experience fluctuations in motivation due to persistent symptoms and frustration with previous treatments. A structured program encourages regular participation, continuity of care, and active engagement in the rehabilitation process, which are key factors for achieving meaningful and long-term improvements.
Chronic Back Pain Program Details
Pain Management Consultation Initial Assessment
The program begins with a comprehensive chronic pain assessment consultation with Charbel Kortbawi DO, MSc, osteopath and chronic pain specialist.
During this session we perform a detailed evaluation to better understand the factors contributing to the patient's pain and functional limitations. The consultation includes:
- Medical and pain history
- Functional movement assessment
- Evaluation of mobility, strength, and physical capacity
- Identification of aggravating and relieving factors
- Screening for psychosocial contributors to chronic pain
This assessment allows us to identify the key drivers of pain and design a personalized treatment plan for the patient. Based on this evaluation, we establish the structure and progression of the rehabilitation program.
Osteopathy and Manual Therapy
Osteopathic treatment is integrated into the program to improve mobility and reduce mechanical strain on the musculoskeletal system.
Patients receive osteopathy sessions throughout the program, at a frequency adapted to their needs. Treatment may include:
- Manual therapy to improve joint mobility
- Techniques to reduce muscular tension and pain
- Restoration of more efficient movement patterns
Osteopathy supports the rehabilitation process and helps optimize functional recovery.
Physiotherapy & Functional Rehabilitation
The core of the program is supervised rehabilitation, with regular functional rehabilitation / physiotherapy sessions throughout the 12 weeks, at a rhythm adapted to each patient.
The rehabilitation program includes:
- Individualized therapeutic exercises
- Movement retraining
- Strengthening and mobility exercises
- Spinal stabilization and functional conditioning
- Progressive return to normal physical activity
Exercises are adapted to each patient's condition and progressively adjusted during the program.
Cognitive & Behavioural Therapy
Chronic low back pain is influenced by physical factors and by psychological processes such as fear of movement (kinesiophobia), pain-related anxiety, hypervigilance to pain, and catastrophic beliefs about pain. These factors can lead patients to avoid certain movements or activities due to fear of worsening pain or causing injury.
This avoidance behavior can contribute to reduced physical activity, muscle deconditioning, and increased disability, reinforcing the persistence of chronic pain. These mechanisms are described in the fear-avoidance model of chronic pain.
The program includes Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) sessions aimed at addressing these psychological contributors to chronic pain. The objectives are to:
- Reduce fear of movement and pain-related anxiety
- Identify and modify maladaptive beliefs about pain
- Improve coping strategies and emotional regulation
- Support gradual re-engagement in movement and activity
This psychological component complements the physical treatments and helps patients regain confidence in movement and improve long-term pain self-management.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Back Pain Management Program last?
The program runs over 12 weeks. The program is personalized and may be adjusted according to the patient's specific needs and clinical progress.
Who is the Chronic Back Pain Program for?
It is designed for patients with chronic low back pain lasting more than 3 months, after exclusion of specific spinal pathology, as well as people with recurrent or persistent back pain, difficulty returning to physical activity because of the pain, or who want a structured rehabilitation approach for managing chronic pain.
What is included in the 12-week program?
The program combines an initial chronic pain assessment, physiotherapy and rehabilitation, osteopathy and manual therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, pain neuroscience education, and personalised self-management strategies. The exact plan and number of sessions are tailored to each patient after the initial assessment.
How do I start the program?
The program begins with a comprehensive chronic pain assessment consultation at our clinic in Achrafieh, Beirut. Contact Active Health Clinic by phone, WhatsApp, or through the contact form to book this initial assessment.