Nonoperative treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication
Abstract Background Lumbar spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication is one of the most commonly diagnosed and treated pathological spinal conditions. It frequently afflicts the elderly population. Objectives To systematically review the evidence for the effectiveness of nonoperative treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication. Search methods CENTRAL, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Index to Chiropractic Literature […]
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 […]
Interventions for preventing and treating pelvic and back pain in pregnancy
Abstract Background More than two-thirds of pregnant women experience low-back pain (LBP) and almost one-fifth experience pelvic pain. Pain increases with advancing pregnancy and interferes with work, daily activities and sleep. Objectives To assess the effects of interventions for preventing and treating pelvic and back pain in pregnancy. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy […]
Red flags to screen for malignancy in patients with low-back pain
Abstract Background The identification of serious pathologies, such as spinal malignancy, is one of the primary purposes of the clinical assessment of patients with low-back pain (LBP). Clinical guidelines recommend awareness of “red flag” features from the patient’s clinical history and physical examination to achieve this. However, there are limited empirical data on the diagnostic […]
Red flags to screen for vertebral fracture in patients presenting with low-back pain
Abstract Background Low-back pain (LBP) is a common condition seen in primary care. A principal aim during a clinical examination is to identify patients with a higher likelihood of underlying serious pathology, such as vertebral fracture, who may require additional investigation and specific treatment. All ‘evidence-based’ clinical practice guidelines recommend the use of red flags […]
Spinal manipulative therapy for acute low-back pain
Abstract Background Many therapies exist for the treatment of low-back pain including spinal manipulative therapy (SMT), which is a worldwide, extensively practised intervention. This report is an update of the earlier Cochrane review, first published in January 2004 with the last search for studies up to January 2000. Objectives To examine the effects of SMT […]
Patient education for neck pain
Abstract Background Neck disorders are common, disabling, and costly. The effectiveness of patient education strategies is unclear. Objectives To assess the short- to long-term effects of therapeutic patient education (TPE) strategies on pain, function, disability, quality of life, global perceived effect, patient satisfaction, knowledge transfer, or behaviour change in adults with neck pain associated with […]
Manual material handling advice and assistive devices for preventing and treating back pain in workers
Abstract Background Training and the provision of assistive devices are considered major interventions to prevent back pain and its related disability among workers exposed to manual material handling (MMH). Objectives To determine the effectiveness of MMH advice and training and the provision of assistive devices in preventing and treating back pain. Search methods We searched […]
Workplace interventions for neck pain in workers
Abstract Background Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common cause of disability in many industrial countries. Recurrent and chronic pain accounts for a substantial portion of workers’ absenteeism. Neck pain seems to be more prominent in the general population than previously known. Objectives To determine the effectiveness of workplace interventions (WIs) in adult workers with neck […]
Single or double-level anterior interbody fusion techniques for cervical degenerative disc disease
Abstract Background The number of surgical techniques for decompression and solid interbody fusion as treatment for cervical spondylosis has increased rapidly, but the rationale for the choice between different techniques remains unclear. Objectives To determine which technique of anterior interbody fusion gives the best clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with single- or double-level degenerative […]