Topic Overview

A back school is an educational program that teaches you practical information about back care, posture, body mechanics, back exercises, and how to prevent long-term back problems. Going to a back school gives you the tools for self-care, which may improve how well you manage low back pain.

Back school is only as effective as you make it by applying your back-care knowledge on a regular basis. Back school research has produced mixed results.

• Some studies have shown that back school can improve acute low back pain and speed recovery. Other studies have shown no benefit or mixed results.¹ For chronic pain, back school is likely to help reduce pain and increase your ability to be active.²
• One study suggests that back school is as effective as manual treatments for relieving some low back pain.³

Ask your health insurance provider or doctor for the name of a local back school. You may find a back school program in your nearest rehabilitation hospital or outpatient program. Or you may find a back school that is an independent clinic.