Saskatchewan's Spine Pathway is designed to help patients with low back pain get the care they need in a timely way. Most often, low back pain can be managed at the primary care level. The Saskatchewan Spine Pathway’s Assessment and Management of Low Back Pain course is designed to build on providers’ low back pain assessment and management skills. Primary care providers who complete the course learn to recognize patterns of low back pain and treatment protocols that can be incorporated into their own practice to improve patient outcomes.
There may be times when patients do not respond to treatment by the primary care provider and referral to the Regina or Saskatoon Spine Pathway Clinic is required.
At the Spine Pathway Clinics, health providers further assess patients, help educate patients about aggravating factors, and identify treatment options. When appropriate, patients may be referred to a spine surgeon.
The pathway helps to ensure that everyone experiencing back pain gets the care they need, and only patients who would benefit from surgery are referred to surgeons.
Continuing Medical Education
Assessment and Management of Low Back and Leg Pain
Online Course
Primary care providers including physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physical therapists and chiropractors can take the Assessment and Management of Low Back Pain online course at no charge. Participants will have ongoing access to the course materials.
For more information and to register, visit the online course website: Assessment and Management of Low Back Pain
This course has been certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and Mainpro+ credits.
For further information on the spine training courses, please contact SpineTraining@health.gov.sk.ca.
Referrals
Primary care providers who have completed a professional education course on Assessment and Management of Low Back Pain can refer patients directly to the Regina or Saskatoon Spine Pathway Clinics using the Primary Care Practitioner Clinical Record of Assessment Form.
Spine Pathway Clinics
There are two Spine Pathway Clinics, one in Regina and one in Saskatoon. The clinics confirm assessment of patient’s back pain and provide referrals to an appropriate specialist or treatment program.
Assessment and Treatment Tools
Saskatchewan Spine Pathway Algorithm
Quick Triage Reference Algorithm
Low Back Pain Treatment Algorithms
Pattern 1 Algorithm
Pattern 2 Algorithm
Pattern 3 Algorithm
Pattern 4 Algorithm
Pattern 5 Algorithm
LiveWell with Chronic Pain Program - The LiveWell with Chronic Pain (LWCP) program, a peer-led, community based, self-management program intended to help adults who are experiencing a wide range of chronic pain conditions, including chronic back pain.
Online Therapy Unit - Service, Education and Research - The Online Therapy Unit offers free online cognitive behavior therapy for depression, anxiety and/or pain. The pain course teaches people with chronic pain how to better manage pain, anxiety and depression.
Information for Patients - Find printable handouts as well as extensive resources to help your patients understand back pain and back surgery, and available treatments and exercises.
More Information
For further information, or to provide feedback on the Spine Pathway, please use the feedback link at the bottom of the page, or e-mail us at SpineTraining@health.gov.sk.ca with “Spine Pathway” in the subject line. We look forward to hearing from you about the ways we can improve outcomes for patients and enable health providers to provide the best possible health advice.