Turn “oh, my aching back” into “ah, my strong back!” with Inova’s Personal Back Coach. Learn to strengthen your body to prevent back pain with this 6-week internet-only program. You and your Personal Back Coach focus on physical activity, body mechanics, and managing stress. You’ll have access to a members-only website and communicate with your Coach through email and telephone consultations.
Personal Back Coach is about taking action to prevent and manage back problems. That means changing some behaviors – developing a healthy habit that will strengthen and support your back or avoiding a behavior that may be stressing your back. The key to successful behavior change is having a clear goal and taking small steps to get you where you want to go.
You will need Adobe Reader to open many of the Personal Back Coach documents. If you have problems opening these documents, please download the latest version of Adobe Reader.
Low back pain is a common but debilitating problem for many adults. Fortunately, over 90% of back pain is NOT caused by a serious health problem.
Muscle sprains and strains are the most common cause of back pain. You can reduce and prevent muscle sprains by using good posture and body mechanics; strengthening your back and abdominal muscles and increasing your overall fitness level; and managing stress. How you treat and use your body every day makes the biggest difference!
Changing a behavior is hard work and that’s why Personal Back Coach is built around personal coaching. Our coaches are health professionals who work for you – encouraging, supporting, educating and yes, pushing you to help you reach your goal. You work with the same coach throughout the program.
You receive sound health information from qualified, experienced health professionals when and where it’s convenient for you. Personal Back Coach can fit into your schedule and busy lifestyle.
Is Personal Back Coach for me?
Personal Back Coach is an educational program and does not diagnose or provide medical treatment for any health conditions, including back pain. You must be at least 18 years old to participate.
Personal Back Coach is not appropriate for you if you:
are pregnant
have a spinal tumor or spinal infection
You need your physician’s approval before registering for the program if:
you have seen a physician within the last 3 months for a back problem and are actively under medical treatment for that condition
you have had back surgery within the last 12 months and have activity restrictions
you are currently out of work on disability for a back injury or back pain
If you fall into one of the categories above, please contact our office for a Physician Approval form before registering for the program. Contact us by email or call 703.698.2434 Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm EST.
Pain felt in the back can have many different causes. The following symptoms should be evaluated right away. Call your health care provider today if you have any of the following:
any change in severity of pain or a new back pain
back pain along with fever or chills
difficulty controlling bowel or bladder functions
increased frequency or painful urination
unexplained weight loss
pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in a leg or foot
pain that does not change when you move or change position
The website indicates the start date for Personal Back Coach to be the end of each month ~ that is INCORRECT and is a limitation of the website
You can register and start Personal Back Coach at any time
Once registered, you’ll have the support of a personal Personal Back Coach. Your Coach works with you from the first week of the program to determine your goals and supports you as you make healthy lifestyle changes over the next 6 weeks.
Online tools and your Coach help you identify a behavioral goal. All of the program materials are on a members-only website so they are available when it’s convenient for you. You receive an individualized plan from your Coach with specific weekly goals to work on. Small steps lead to a stronger back and healthier lifestyle in no time.
Communicate weekly with your Coach on your progress and ask questions as often as you like. Email makes it easy to keep in touch with your Coach.
What is available to me as a Personal Back Coach participant?
Confidential registration
Individualized plan based on personal assessment of lifestyle needs and concerns
Personal support by a Personal Back Coach who provides quick and thorough answers to questions by email and phone
Access to online information, communication and education
What will I be doing over the 6 weeks?
Reading online materials that focus on back health and posture, physical activity and stress management. Review the program syllabus.
Completing a few 'homework' assignments including a back history questionnaire and activity journal.
Working on specific weekly goals that will support your healthy back goal
Emailing and/or talking with your Coach
What is the cost of Personal Back Coach?
This 6-week program is $75.
That breaks down to a weekly cost of $12.50 for personalized lifestyle goals and support from a specially trained health professional
You can pay by credit card through Inova Teleservices, which is the registration department for all of the Inova HealthSource classes
What is the Refund Policy?
You must contact Inova HealthSource at 703.698.2434 within 7 business days of registering.
You will be refunded the cost of the program minus a $25 processing fee.
Inova HealthNET is a series of care management programs that have been in place for Inova Health System employees and spouses as part of their employee benefit package.
The healthy back program is now available to the community in the form of Personal Back Coach
What have participants said about the program?
“I believe by getting back to healthy lifestyle choices, such as daily stretching, exercise and weight loss my goals can be met. Just need some help and guidance getting started.”
"When I was at work I tried more often to sit better in my chair squared around and not twisted. I also found a chair that was the correct height for the surface where I was working.”