Whether you're a weekend hiker sidelined by sciatica or a parent who struggles to lift your child without pain, back pain affects nearly everyone at some point. It’s one of the most common reasons people miss work and one of the most frustrating conditions to navigate.
To change that, CommonSpirit Health launched the Comprehensive Back Pain Program, designed to uncover the “why” behind each patient’s pain and guide them back to strength, movement, and the life they love. Shahbaz Afzal, DO, a Sports Medicine physician at Longmont United Hospital, explains the program and its benefits.
“Our goal is simple: to help people move, live, and thrive again,” Dr. Afzal says. “We want patients to get back to doing what they love, whether that’s hiking, playing with their kids, or just waking up without pain. Back pain isn’t one condition, it’s thousands of different stories. That’s why we take a personalized, whole-body approach from day one.”
A Holistic Approach, All Under One Roof
Instead of bouncing between specialists or facing surgery as a first option, patients begin with a single, coordinated evaluation. This streamlined philosophy means patients are guided through the entire spectrum of the care they need.
The program prioritizes conservative, evidence-based care. Options include physical therapy, osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), acupuncture, and aquatherapy, as well as education on posture, flexibility, and movement. Recognizing the mind-body connection in chronic pain, the program also incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles and access to psychological support.
“The truth is, back pain rarely comes from one single thing,” Dr. Afzal explains. “It’s usually a combination of muscle imbalance, joint or nerve irritation, sometimes stress or fear of movement. We examine all the different layers, from the skin to the bones and nerves, and build a plan that fits that individual.”
For those who need more advanced care, Dr. Afzal and Dr. Ashish Chavda, a Pain Management physician at Longmont United Hospital, utilize their combined expertise, which extends to injection-based therapies such as prolotherapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), as well as innovative solutions like nerve stimulation therapies.
“We use every tool available from hands-on treatment to regenerative medicine but always in the right order,” Dr. Afzal says. “We start simple, build step by step, and stay focused on function, not just pain scores.”
Pinpointing the Root Cause
A cornerstone of the program is its meticulous diagnostic process. Dr. Afzal and the pain management team look beyond imaging and isolated symptoms to find the primary source of pain.
“We look beyond the pictures,” Dr. Afzal explains. “Back pain can be related to feet, knees, hips, posture, muscle tension. We assess the entire kinetic chain, from skin to bone and nerve, to see how everything connects. Sometimes the problem isn’t where it hurts — it’s how the body is compensating.”
This comprehensive approach often uncovers causes overlooked elsewhere. One patient, for example, suffered for nearly a year before discovering her pain stemmed from a hip imbalance resolved within weeks through targeted therapy and OMT.
“We often act as the bridge between orthopedic and neurosurgical care,” Dr. Afzal says. “When surgery isn’t the right fit or didn't help, even when recovery isn’t going as expected, that’s where our program shines. We offer options between medication and surgery to encourage healing.”
Seamless Coordination, Better Outcomes
One of the program’s biggest strengths is its closed-loop coordination.
“Because we work directly with our in-house physical therapists and specialists, we can adjust treatment plans in real time,” Dr. Afzal explains. "This allows us to closely oversee treatment and progress under one umbrella, leading to quicker, more coordinated care and ultimately, a better patient experience."
This integrated model ensures every patient’s progress is tracked closely, from initial consultation through rehabilitation and follow-up, minimizing delays and maximizing outcomes.
Rediscover Movement. Rediscover Life.
Whether you’re dealing with a new injury or years of chronic pain, the Longmont United Hospital Back Pain Program offers a compassionate, evidence-based path forward, focused on restoring strength, mobility, and confidence.
“Pain can take over your life,” Dr. Afzal reflects. “But it doesn’t have to define it. The most rewarding part of what we do is seeing people reclaim movement, joy, and independence. That’s what healing really means.”
Ask your primary care provider for a referral to the Longmont United Hospital Back Pain Program or call CommonSpirit Pain Specialists at Longmont at 720-321-8950 today and take the first step back toward movement, strength, and freedom from pain.
