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Complementary and Integrative Health

Rage Against the Pain: A High-Intensity Stretching Program to Address Chronic Low Back Pain Among Veterans


by Bella Etingen, PhD
Seminar date: 9/21/2023

Description: VA considers low back pain a significant problem and is highly motivated to take action to improve Veteran engagement in effective pain treatments, and particularly non-pharmacological treatment options. Yoga is recommended as a front-line treatment for low back pain, and is available across the VA healthcare system, but yoga adoption among Veterans is limited. This presentation will report on a pilot study that aimed to facilitate uptake of an alternative high-intensity stretching program that was designed to impart the same pain management benefits as yoga but might better reflect Veteran preferences and interests.

Target audience: This presentation may be of interest to researchers and clinical team members committed to helping Veterans manage their pain, the use of complementary and integrative health approaches, and Whole Health in VA.

View archived session video:



DOWNLOAD: PDF handout | Audio only (mp3) | transcript


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