Radiofrequency denervation for chronic low back pain
Abstract Background Radiofrequency (RF) denervation, an invasive treatment for chronic low back pain (CLBP), is used most often for pain suspected to arise from facet joints, sacroiliac (SI) joints or discs. Many (uncontrolled) studies have shown substantial variation in its use between countries and continued uncertainty regarding its effectiveness. Objectives The objective of this review […]
Manipulation and mobilisation for neck pain contrasted against an inactive control or another active treatment
Abstract Background Manipulation and mobilisation are commonly used to treat neck pain. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2003, and previously updated in 2010. Objectives To assess the effects of manipulation or mobilisation alone compared wiith those of an inactive control or another active treatment on pain, function, disability, patient […]
Massage for low-back pain
Abstract Background Low-back pain (LBP) is one of the most common and costly musculoskeletal problems in modern society. It is experienced by 70% to 80% of adults at some time in their lives. Massage therapy has the potential to minimize pain and speed return to normal function. Objectives To assess the effects of massage therapy […]
Cognitive-behavioural treatment for subacute and chronic neck pain
Abstract Background Although research on non-surgical treatments for neck pain (NP) is progressing, there remains uncertainty about the efficacy of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for this population. Addressing cognitive and behavioural factors might reduce the clinical burden and the costs of NP in society. Objectives To assess the effects of CBT among individuals with subacute and […]
Muscle energy technique for non-specific low-back pain
Abstract Background Low-back pain (LBP) is responsible for considerable personal suffering due to pain and reduced function, as well as the societal burden due to costs of health care and lost work productivity. For the vast majority of people with LBP, no specific anatomical cause can be reliably identified. For these people with non-specific LBP […]
Exercises for mechanical neck disorders
Abstract Background Neck pain is common, disabling and costly. Exercise is one treatment approach. Objectives To assess the effectiveness of exercises to improve pain, disability, function, patient satisfaction, quality of life and global perceived effect in adults with neck pain. Search methods We searched MEDLINE, MANTIS, ClinicalTrials.gov and three other computerized databases up to between […]
Therapeutic ultrasound for chronic low-back pain
Abstract Background Chronic non-specific low-back pain (LBP) has become one of the main causes of disability in the adult population around the world. Therapeutic ultrasound is frequently used by physiotherapists in the treatment of LBP and is one of the most widely used electro-physical agents in clinical practice. Objectives The objective of this review is […]
Rehabilitation after lumbar disc surgery
Abstract Background Several rehabilitation programmes are available for individuals after lumbar disc surgery. Objectives To determine whether active rehabilitation after lumbar disc surgery is more effective than no treatment, and to describe which type of active rehabilitation is most effective. This is the second update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2002. First, we […]
Rehabilitation following surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis
Abstract Background Lumbar spinal stenosis is a common cause of back pain that can also give rise to pain in the buttock, thigh or leg, particularly when walking. Several possible treatments are available, of which surgery appears to be best at restoring function and reducing pain. Surgical outcome is not ideal, and a sizeable proportion […]
Traction for low-back pain with or without sciatica
Abstract Background Traction has been used to treat low-back pain (LBP), often in combination with other treatments. We included both manual and machine-delivered traction in this review. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 1995, and previously updated in 2006. Objectives To assess the effects of traction compared to placebo, sham […]