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GLA:D BACK Alberta

Do you experience persistent or recurrent low back pain?

Please call or email us if you are interested and/or looking for more information.

GLA:D® BACK is a treatment option for patients with persistent or recurrent low back pain that affects everyday life. The program was developed by researchers and clinicians at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU).

The program follows clinical guideline recommendations for the treatment of patients with back pain and is based on principles of self-management similar to GLA:D® for patients with knee and hip pain.

GLA:D® BACK consists of:

EDUCATION of chiropractors and physiotherapists in running GLA:D® BACK courses for patients.
TREATMENT PROGRAM consisting of education and a structured exercise program
REGISTRATION of patient data in the GLA:D® registry

The purpose of GLA:D® BACK is to help patients manage their back pain better themselves through a well-described and structured course of treatment. In Alberta, the program is available to physiotherapists, chiropractors and kinesiologists to offer patient education and exercise based on the best evidence. Data from the program is entered in a secure a clinical registry so that together, we create new knowledge about back pain and that GLA:D® BACK can be continuously improved.

Patient education and supervised exercise for patients with persistent or recurrent back pain are recommended as first-line interventions in several international guidelines based on expert reviews of hundreds of randomized controlled trials. Patient education and exercise have positive effects on back problems and little risk of harms. At the same time, education and exercise have been shown to prevent new episodes of back pain. Evidence and theories behind GLA:D® BACK have been published in several academic journals.

The program is designed for patients with persistent and/or recurrent back pain that negatively affects their everyday life and function. The patient and the chiropractor jointly decide whether GLA:D® BACK is relevant. As with any other treatment, the decision about patient participation in a GLA:D® BACK course is based on a clinical assessment and patient preference.

GLA:D Back at Gateway Chiropractic

Over 9 weeks we will guide you through biweekly education and exercise sessions aimed at helping you manage your low back pain and improve your day to day! Offered by the University of Alberta as part of an international research study.

What does the program consist of?

An initial one on one assessment where we determine your starting level and discuss your goals

2 group education sessions about the back, pain, and what you can do yourself to help your back

16 guided group exercise classes, twice per week for 8 weeks

A final one on one visit where we test how much you have improved and discuss your ongoing plan

How much does it cost?

630$* total

* There may be an additional assessment fee

Initial Assessment: $45
Group Sessions: $30/session

Final Assessment: $45

It may be billed to your health insurance as chiropractic treatments.

What do I need to participate?

First, talk to our clinic to see if you are eligible for GLA:D Back.

If so, you will need to wear comfortable clothes that you can move in, but you don't need special sports clothing or shoes. You can wear indoor shoes or exercise in bare feet. You might also need an exercise mat, and a resistance band - though we may be able to provide those items.