Preoperative Pain Neuroscience Education for Lumbar Surgery

Presented by Adriaan Louw

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Video Runtime: 68 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 31 Minutes

Lumbar surgery is very prevalent and ever increasing. It is currently reported that one in four patients still experiences pain and disability after lumbar surgery. This course will showcase how a pain neuroscience program was developed, tested, and validated for patients undergoing lumbar surgery. Immediate post-education results showed favorable changes to fear avoidance, pain catastrophizing, and beliefs and expectations regarding surgery. Long-term results showed a positive influence on surgical experience and healthcare utilization after surgery. This course will also showcase a live patient session showing the delivery of the preoperative pain neuroscience education program. This course is suited for clinicians working with pre- and postoperative lumbar surgery patients.

Meet your instructor

Adriaan Louw

Adriaan earned his undergraduate degree, master’s degree, and PhD in physiotherapy from Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa. He is an adjunct faculty member at St. Ambrose University and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, teaching pain science. Adriaan has taught throughout the US and internationally for 25…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Tests, Trials, and Results: Preoperative PNE Program for Lumbar Surgery, Part 1

1. Tests, Trials, and Results: Preoperative PNE Program for Lumbar Surgery, Part 1

A series of studies tested the preoperative pain neuroscience education program for lumbar surgery. Immediate post-education results showed that clinicians can be trained in this; the program is less provocative than current programs, yields immediate positive changes prior to surgery, and calms the central nervous system prior to surgery.

Tests, Trials, and Results: Preoperative PNE Program for Lumbar Surgery, Part 2

2. Tests, Trials, and Results: Preoperative PNE Program for Lumbar Surgery, Part 2

A series of studies tested the preoperative pain neuroscience education program for lumbar surgery. Large-scale, multicenter, and long-term results showed that the preoperative program results in better patient experiences and behaviors and healthcare savings.

Patient Demonstration: Preoperative PNE for Lumbar Surgery, Part 1

3. Patient Demonstration: Preoperative PNE for Lumbar Surgery, Part 1

A live patient session demonstrates the delivery of pain neuroscience education prior to lumbar surgery. The use of metaphors, examples, and images demonstrates the sensitive alarm system in the perioperative period.

Patient Demonstration: Preoperative PNE for Lumbar Surgery, Part 2

4. Patient Demonstration: Preoperative PNE for Lumbar Surgery, Part 2

A live patient session demonstrates the delivery of pain neuroscience education prior to lumbar surgery. The use of metaphors, examples, and images demonstrates the nerve sensors and strategies to calm down an extra-sensitive alarm system in the perioperative period.