Mechanical traction for neck pain with or without radiculopathy
Abstract Background Neck pain is a frequently reported complaint of the musculoskeletal system which can be disabling and costly to society. Mechanical traction is often used as an adjunct therapy in outpatient rehabilitation. Objectives To assess the effects of mechanical traction for neck disorders. Search methods A research librarian searched computerized bibliographic databases without language […]
Lumbar supports for prevention and treatment of low back pain
Abstract Background Lumbar supports are used in the treatment of low-back pain patients, to prevent the onset of low-back pain (primary prevention) or to prevent recurrences of a low-back pain episode (secondary prevention). Objectives To assess the effects of lumbar supports for prevention and treatment of non-specific low-back pain. Search methods We updated the search […]
Low level laser therapy for nonspecific low-back pain
Abstract Background Low-back pain (LBP) is a major health problem and a major cause of medical expenses and disablement. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) can be used to treat musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain. Objectives To assess the effects of LLLT in patients with non-specific LBP. Search methods We searched CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library […]
Individual patient education for low back pain
Abstract Background While many different types of patient education are widely used, the effect of individual patient education for low-back pain (LBP) has not yet been systematically reviewed. Objectives To determine whether individual patient education is effective in the treatment of non-specific low-back pain and which type is most effective. Search methods A computerized literature […]
Superficial heat or cold for low back pain
Abstract Background Heat and cold are commonly utilised in the treatment of low-back pain by both health care professionals and people with low-back pain. Objectives To assess the effects of superficial heat and cold therapy for low-back pain in adults. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Back Review Group Specialised register, the Cochrane Central Register […]
Exercise therapy for treatment of non-specific low back pain
Abstract Background Exercise therapy is widely used as an intervention in low-back pain. Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of exercise therapy in adult non-specific acute, subacute and chronic low-back pain versus no treatment and other conservative treatments. Search methods The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Issue 3, 2004), MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychInfo, CINAHL databases to […]
Acupuncture and dry-needling for low back pain
Abstract Background Although low-back pain is usually a self-limiting and benign disease that tends to improve spontaneously over time, a large variety of therapeutic interventions are available for its treatment. Objectives To assess the effects of acupuncture for the treatment of non-specific low-back pain and dry-needling for myofascial pain syndrome in the low-back region. Search […]
Back schools for non-specific low-back pain
Abstract Background Since the introduction of the Swedish back school in 1969, back schools have frequently been used for treating patients with low-back pain (LBP). However, the content of back schools has changed and appears to vary widely today. Objectives To assess the effectiveness of back schools for patients with non-specific LBP. Search methods We […]
Neuroreflexotherapy for non-specific low-back pain
Abstract Background Among the wide range of therapeutic alternatives proposed for the management of low-back pain (LBP), a less widely used technique from Spain, called neuroreflexotherapy (NRT) has claimed to show very favourable results, mainly in patients with chronic low-back pain. Objectives To assess the effectiveness of NRT for the treatment of non-specific LBP in […]
Multidisciplinary biopsychosocial rehabilitation for neck and shoulder pain among working age adults
Abstract Background Multidisciplinary biopsychosocial rehabilitation programs for neck and shoulder pain require substantial staff and financial resources. Despite questionable scientific evidence of their effectiveness, they are widely used. Neck and shoulder complaints are common among working age adults and they are often associated with physical work load and stress. Pain in the neck and shoulder […]