Episode Summary
Discover how the biopsychosocial model explains back pain as more than tissue damage, linking physical, psychological, and social factors into one whole-person approach. Learn why fear, stress, sleep, beliefs, and lifestyle can drive pain just as much as biomechanics—and how better screening and communication can change care.
The biopsychosocial model for pain is presented as a multidimensional approach that includes, rather than replaces, the biomedical model. It explains low back pain through interacting biological, psychological, and social factors, with emphasis on how pain is experienced in daily life, not just which structure is affected. Learners can expect examples of how treatment areas overlap: manual therapy may reduce distress, exercise can improve mood, movement retraining can reduce fear, and clear advice can build confidence.
A major focus is low back pain, especially the fact that most cases are non-specific and not explained by serious disease or clear imaging findings. The transcript covers relapse, fear avoidance, stress, sleep, depression, family influences, and work factors as important drivers of pain. It also explains why clinicians may struggle to address psychosocial factors and why pain education matters.
Practical guidance includes NICE recommendations, use of screening tools such as STarT Back and Örebro, and the importance of identifying each patient’s main driver rather than relying only on structural explanations.
