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Take Control of Back Pain |
Turn off pain with the NeuroBehavioral Pain Management Program (NBP)
Hill Physicians’ NeuroBehavioral Pain Management (NBP) training programs teach people with chronic pain to reduce and even eliminate pain by using simple word commands. Ninety percent of participants in this clinically proven program reduce their pain after the first session. Group classes are offered monthly in the Sacramento area, and one-on-one phone sessions are offered any time.
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Consider the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program (MBSR)
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an 8-week class that uses mindful meditation and gentle yoga to release pain sensations. MBSR is a clinically proven program created by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn that is used to address a variety of health concerns, including pain.
For more information and to register:
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Make Back Pain Treatment Decisions that are Right for You
You are an important partner in making decisions about your healthcare. There are many factors to consider when making a decision. The following guides can help you identify these considerations and focus on what is best for you.
Check out our Back Pain Tip Sheet and Web Videos
Explore daily self-care skills to cope with acute or chronic back pain, and learn how to tap into your body's natural ability to heal itself. Each video runs about 5 minutes.
Download the Managing Acute Back Pain Tip Sheet 
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Acute Back Pain Relief
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Chronic Back
Pain Relief
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Self Care & Wellness
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Explore Complementary Approaches to Managing Back Pain
Learn how chiropractic therapy, massage, psychotherapy, acupuncture, and other integrative therapies can help.
Discounted Massage Services for Hill Physicians Members
We're pleased to partner with independent massage therapists to offer Hill Physicians member a 15% discount on massage services.
Discounted Yoga Classes for Hill Physicians Members
We're pleased to partner with independent yoga instructors to offer Hill Physicians members a 15 percent discount on yoga classes.
Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care for Hill Physicians Members
Some, but not all, Hill Physicians members have acupuncture and/or chiropractic benefits. Contact your health plan to determine your eligibility and how to locate a contracted provider.
With a physician referral, Hill Physicians may authorize a trial of acupuncture or chiropractic care for qualified members without a health plan benefit.
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Consider Physical Therapy
Physical therapy (PT) can help you to improve physical function and regain strength and flexibility. Hill Physicians members have access to PT through physician referral. If you have not already received a referral, ask your physician to refer you to a physical therapy provider that specializes in treating pain conditions.
If you live in Sacramento and have chronic pain, you may be eligible for Back in Action, a special PT program emphasizing active movement and personalized coaching to help you better manage chronic pain.
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Get Moving - Safely
Staying active when you're experiencing back pain can be difficult, but gentle activity like walking and yoga can help strengthen muscles, increase flexibility and relieve pain. Learn more about how to protect your back while staying active.
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Address Your Stress
Pain naturally causes a stress reaction in the body, and stress itself can contribute to the sensation of pain. Research shows that learning stress management techniques can improve your ability to function physically, perform the activities of daily living and help to reduce your pain.
Our collection of stress management tools can help you to break the stress-pain cycle to better manage your pain.
- Hill Physicians stress reduction resources for chronic pain
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Increase Your Coping Skills
Chronic pain can lead to depression or anxiety when you feel like your condition is not getting better. Here are some resources to help you cope with the emotions that can accompany chronic pain.
Track Your Symptoms and Medications
Tracking your pain and other symptoms can help you recognize your progress over time. Symptom diaries are an excellent way to do this. What were you doing when your pain and other symptoms were better? What were you doing when your symptoms got worse? Below are tools to help you track your symptoms.
Keeping accurate records of all current medications (including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements) can help you remember how and when to take different medications and gives your doctor(s) a clear picture of all the medications you use. This is especially helpful if you see more than one physician. Below are some resources to help you track medications.
Bring copies of your symptom diaries and medication log to each medical appointment to share with your physician. In addition, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are trained to look for health information on refrigerators, so keep a current medication log posted on yours.
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Learn More About Back Pain |
Watch our Back Pain Relief Web Video Series
Explore daily self-care skills to cope with acute or chronic back pain and learn how to tap into your body’s natural ability to heal itself in these five-minute web videos.
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Acute Back Pain Relief
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Chronic Back
Pain Relief
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Self Care & Wellness
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Make Back Pain Treatment Decisions that are Right for You
You are an important partner in making decisions about your healthcare. There are many factors to consider when making a decision. The following guides can help you identify these considerations and focus on what is best for you.
- Visit Hill Physicians Shared Decision-Making aids for Back Pain
Health Library Topics
Hill Physicians is proud to partner with Healthwise to deliver the Healthwise Knowledgebase® to you. We have selected the following topics to help you learn more about causes of back pain, how it is diagnosed and treatment options.
General Overviews and Common Causes of Back Pain
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Tests for Diagnosing and Monitoring Back Pain
Most low back pain has a nonspecific and nonserious cause and will get better on its own. In these cases, imaging studies are often not needed to determine appropriate treatment and might lead to further unnecessary tests. If you are considering having an imaging test, ask your physician how the results of the test will impact your treatment.
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Tests/Diagnosis and Treatment Options | |
Back Pain Treatment Options
The following is information on medications, procedures and other therapies your doctor may recommend to help you manage back pain.
Behavioral Approaches to Managing Pain
Medications
Medically Administered Injections
Surgical Procedures
With few exceptions, back surgery is no more effective than conservative care for most back pain. Ask your doctor about all your options while deciding whether to have surgery. If you are considering surgery for a herniated disc, our Surgery for Herniated Disc Decision Guide can help you weigh the pros and cons of choosing surgery. If you ultimately decide to have surgery, be sure to listen to our Preparing for Surgery and Healing from Surgery audio podcasts to learn how the mind-body connection works to speed healing. More information about common surgeries for back pain:
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Support and Additional Resources |
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Hill Physicians Shared Decision-Making Tools
Hill Physicians' offers several Shared Decision-Making tools to help you explore options for management and treatment of back pain. Topics include:
Hill Physicians Case Management for Chronic Pain
Hill Physicians' experienced nurse case managers are dedicated to supporting you as you determine the best steps for managing your chronic pain.
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Other Resources
Hill Physicians recommends the following support groups and other resources for those coping with back pain.
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