Behavioural treatment for chronic low-back pain
Abstract Background Behavioural treatment is commonly used in the management of chronic low-back pain (CLBP) to reduce disability through modification of maladaptive pain behaviours and cognitive processes. Three behavioural approaches are generally distinguished: operant, cognitive, and respondent; but are often combined as a treatment package. Objectives To determine the effects of behavioural therapy for CLBP […]
Combined chiropractic interventions for low-back pain
Abstract Background Chiropractors commonly use a combination of interventions to treat people with low-back pain (LBP). Objectives To determine the effects of combined chiropractic interventions (that is, a combination of therapies, other than spinal manipulation alone) on pain, disability, back-related function, overall improvement, and patient satisfaction in adults with LBP, aged 18 and older. Search […]
Physical examination for lumbar radiculopathy due to disc herniation in patients with low-back pain
Abstract Background Low-back pain with leg pain (sciatica) may be caused by a herniated intervertebral disc exerting pressure on the nerve root. Most patients will respond to conservative treatment, but in carefully selected patients, surgical discectomy may provide faster relief of symptoms. Primary care clinicians use patient history and physical examination to evaluate the likelihood […]
Surgery for cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy
Abstract Background Cervical spondylosis causes pain and disability by compressing the spinal cord or roots. Surgery to relieve the compression may reduce the pain and disability, but is associated with a small but definite risk. . Objectives To determine whether: 1) surgical treatment of cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy is associated with improved outcome, compared with […]
Antidepressants for non-specific low back pain
Abstract Background Antidepressants are commonly used in the management of low-back pain. However, their use is controversial. Objectives The aim of this review was to determine whether antidepressants are more effective than placebo for the treatment of non-specific low-back pain. Search methods Randomised controlled trials were identified from MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO (to November 2008), […]
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) versus placebo for chronic low-back pain
Abstract Background Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) was introduced more than 30 years ago as a therapeutic adjunct to the pharmacological management of pain. However, despite widespread use, its effectiveness in chronic low-back pain (LBP) is still controversial. Objectives To determine whether TENS is more effective than placebo for the management of chronic LBP. Search […]
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 […]
Injection therapy for subacute and chronic low-back pain
Abstract Background The effectiveness of injection therapy for low-back pain is still debatable. Heterogeneity of target tissue, pharmacological agent and dosage generally found in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) points to the need for clinically valid comparisons in a literature synthesis. Objectives To determine if injection therapy is more effective than placebo or other treatments for […]
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 […]