Multimodal pain therapy in the BDH-Clinic Hessisch Oldendorf

The BDH-Clinic Hessisch Oldendorf is a neurological hospital, focusing on acute-care and neurological rehabilitation, enabling patients to return to their former work. Many patients suffer from acute and chronic back pain, e.g. after lumbar disc prolapse, spinal stenosis and after neurosurgical interventions. Together with analgesics and a multidisciplinary team work in neurological rehabilitation, a holistic, therapeutic approach is enabled. Physiotherapy and, in particular, physical therapy is essential. Proven methods are kinetotherapeutic baths, fango combined with classic massage, acupuncture resp. acupressure and electrotherapy (in particular transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation – TENS – for radicular pain). Nurses keep records of pain daily and the multidisciplinary team meets (at least) weekly to decide upon amendments of the treatment protocol. Psychological care (behavioral therapy) is very important, too, in particular for chronic pain sufferers. In these cases antidepressants are considered because chronic pain and depression tend to mutually reinforce each other. In summary, team setting in neurological rehabilitation provides an opportunity for multimodal, holistic therapy of back pain.