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Repositioning error in low back pain. Comparing trunk repositioning error in subjects with chronic low back pain and control subjects.

STUDY DESIGN: Repositioning error of the trunk was tested in 20 subjects with chronic low back pain and in 20 control subjects. The 3Space Tracker (Polhemus, Colchester, VT), a device that measures three-dimensional position in space, was used to determine the subject's trunk position. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether repositioning error is different in subjects with chronic low back pain than in control subjects. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Proprioception allows the body to maintain proper orientation during static and dynamic activities. In peripheral joint injuries, researchers have demonstrated a loss of some aspects of proprioception and improvement in outcome with retraining. Although the components of proprioception in subjects with low back pain have not been well studied, it is thought that these persons lose some elements of proprioception that can be measured in a quantifiable way. If so, then rehabilitation to improve these deficits is important. In this pilot study, one aspect of proprioception, repositioning error, was examined. METHODS: The subjects attempted to replicate target positions of the trunk in flexion, extension, lateral bending, and lateral rotation. Repositioning error was calculated as the absolute difference between the actual and the subject-replicated target positions. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in repositioning error between the control subjects and the persons with chronic low back pain. CONCLUSIONS: Because proprioception is complex and entails the use of many afferent receptors, it is difficult to measure any one afferent deficiency discretely. The authors believe that this study, in which one aspect of proprioception was measured in an indirect manner, provides important background information on low back position sense. Further studies analyzing aspects of proprioception in subjects with low back pain are recommended.

Adult↗

A controlled trial of corticosteroid injections into facet joints for chronic low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Chronic low back pain is a common problem with many treatments, few of which have been rigorously evaluated. This randomized, placebo-controlled trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy of injections of corticosteroid into facet joints to treat chronic low back pain. METHODS: Patients with chronic low back pain who reported immediate relief of their pain after injections of local anesthetic into the facet joints between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae and the fifth lumbar and first sacral vertebrae were randomly assigned to receive under fluoroscopic guidance injections of either methylprednisolone acetate (20 mg; n = 49) or isotonic saline (n = 48) in the same facet joints. Ninety-five patients were followed for six months and their condition assessed with scales of pain severity, back mobility, and limitation of function. RESULTS: After one month, none of the outcome measures evaluating pain, functional status, and back flexion differed clinically or statistically between the two study groups. Forty-two percent of the patients who received methylprednisolone and 33 percent of those who received placebo reported marked or very marked improvement (95 percent confidence interval for the difference, -11 to 28 percentage points; P = 0.53). The results were similar after three months. At the six-month evaluation, the patients treated with methylprednisolone reported more improvement, less pain on the visual-analogue scale, and less physical disability. The differences were reduced, however, when concurrent interventions were taken into account. Moreover, only 11 patients (22 percent) in the methylprednisolone group and 5 (10 percent) in the placebo group had sustained improvement from the first month to the sixth month (95 percent confidence interval for the difference, -2 to 26; P = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that injecting methylprednisolone acetate into the facet joints is of little value in the treatment of patients with chronic low back pain.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Patterns in low back pain hospitalizations: implications for the treatment of low back pain in an era of health care reform.

OBJECTIVE: To examine patterns in both surgical and nonsurgical low back pain (LBP) hospitalizations through time and among geographic regions and to explore the practical implications of these patterns for health care reform. SETTING: For time trends, the U.S. (1979-1987); for geographic variations, major regions of the U.S. (1987). DATE SOURCE: The National Hospital Discharge Survey. RESULTS: Rates of both surgical and nonsurgical LBP hospitalization varied twofold among regions of the U.S., and average lengths of stay for these types of hospitalization varied considerably as well. The U.S. rate of LBP surgery increased sharply during the period covered by the study. Over the same time, the U.S. rate of nonsurgical LBP hospitalization declined, as did average lengths of stay for both types of LBP hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Wide variations in LBP hospitalization practices raise the issue of which practices are most appropriate. Outcomes research addresses this issue, as does research on patient preferences for certain types of treatment. As indicated by the increasing rate of LBP surgery, more research also needs to be done on changing physician practice style. If such research were to result in a reduction in LBP hospitalization, savings in health care costs would be considerable.

Back Pain↗

Risk indicators of low back pain among workers in Japan. Association of familial and physical factors with low back pain.

STUDY DESIGN: A questionnaire was given to 3,042 Japanese workers at a factory in 1992. It surveyed age, gender, weight, height, job classification, and work environment, as well as the perceived causes, onset age, and characteristics of low back pain. Family history of low back pain among first-degree relatives and perception of physical condition also were assessed. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the risk indicators of low back pain in Japanese workers with various kinds of job classifications in a manufacturing company. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Risk indicators of low back pain in Japanese patients have not been fully investigated in previous studies. METHODS: Prevalence rates and characteristics of low back pain were examined among 3,042 factory workers (2,517 men and 525 woman) with jobs with varying physical demands. In the analysis of risk indicators of low back pain, the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were computed. In addition, a multiple logistic analysis was performed to evaluate risk indicators of low back pain. RESULTS: Point and lifetime prevalence of low back pain were correlated with the physical demands of the job. The perceived cause found to be most associated with low back pain were lifting in workers with jobs requiring moderate to heavy work and sports activity in sedentary workers. Family history of low back pain in parents, siblings, and children was a risk indicator of low back pain. The average age of the first attack of low back pain in workers with a family history of it in their parents was significantly younger than that in workers with no family history in a multiple logistic analysis in male workers, the physical work demands, age, and family history of low back pain in their parents were risk indicators; however, obesity was not a risk indicator. Physical and mental conditions of workers also were associated with low back pain. CONCLUSIONS: The physical job demands show a clear association with the point and lifetime prevalence of low back pain, and improvements in work conditions may decrease low back symptoms among workers. It is likely that a family history of low back pain and physical and mental conditions of workers also should be considered in the management of low back pain.

Adult↗

Patterns of ordering diagnostic tests for patients with acute low back pain. The North Carolina Back Pain Project.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain is a common reason for visiting a physician. Authors of guidelines and insurance payers are currently scrutinizing use of radiography and computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). OBJECTIVE: To study the determinants of the use of lumbar spine radiography and either CT or MRI in patients with acute low back pain. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Community-based practices in North Carolina in six strata: urban primary care physicians, rural primary care physicians, urban chiropractors, rural chiropractors, orthopedic surgeons, and practitioners at a group-model health maintenance organization. PATIENTS: 1580 patients with acute low back pain. MEASUREMENTS: Telephone interviews done after the index office visit and at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks or until complete recovery; survey of practitioners; and chart abstraction. RESULTS: During the acute back pain episode, 46% of patients had radiography and 9% had CT or MRI. Patient variables related to use of radiography included pain that began more than 2 weeks before the index visit and no previous episodes of low back pain. Practitioner variables associated with use of radiography were being a chiropractor or orthopedic surgeon and having a solo practice. Use of CT or MRI was associated with white race, neurologic deficit at baseline, sciatica, poor functional status at baseline, and small group-practice size. Practitioners' responses to clinical vignettes were associated with aggregate practitioner behavior: In the vignettes and in real life, practitioners were more likely to order CT for patients with sciatica. However, a practitioner's response to a vignette did not predict that practitioner's use of CT or MRI for similar patients in his or her own practice. CONCLUSION: Radiography is commonly used as a diagnostic test for patients with acute back pain. Clinical factors and provider specialty are major correlates of the use of imaging studies.

Acute Disease↗

Interventions in chronic low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Chronic low back pain presents a major challenge for general practitioners and is a significant drain on community resources. Patients often feel frustrated by modern medicine's apparent failure to validate their symptoms with a specific diagnosis and management plan. OBJECTIVE: This article presents an evidence based guide to current interventions, including an algorithm for the interventional diagnostic workup of low back pain that has persisted beyond 3 months. DISCUSSION: Modern imaging techniques rarely determine the cause of pain. The GP must look for 'red flag' clues in the history. Management of low back pain includes NSAIDs, simple injections of plain local anaesthetic without adrenalin or cortisone, referral to a masseuse, cortisone, physiotherapist and/or a musculoskeletal pain physician. Specific management includes medial branch and sacroiliac joint blocks, and radiofrequency neurotomy. Patients with long term pain may be referred to a psychologist for cognitive behavioural therapy.

Algorithms↗

A randomized trial of medical care with and without physical therapy and chiropractic care with and without physical modalities for patients with low back pain: 6-month follow-up outcomes from the UCLA low back pain study.

STUDY DESIGN: A randomized clinical trial. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness of medical and chiropractic care for low back pain patients in managed care; to assess the effectiveness of physical therapy among medical patients; and to assess the effectiveness of physical modalities among chiropractic patients. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Despite the burden that low back pain places on patients, providers, and society, the relative effectiveness of common treatment strategies offered in managed care is unknown. METHODS: Low back pain patients presenting to a large managed care facility from October 30, 1995, through November 9, 1998, were randomly assigned in a balanced design to medical care with and without physical therapy and to chiropractic care with and without physical modalities. The primary outcome variables are average and most severe low back pain intensity in the past week, assessed with 0 to 10 numerical rating scales, and low back-related disability, assessed with the 24-item Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire. RESULTS: Of 1,469 eligible patients, 681 were enrolled; 95.7% were followed through 6 months. The mean changes in low back pain intensity and disability of participants in the medical and chiropractic care-only groups were similar at each follow-up assessment (adjusted mean differences at 6 months for most severe pain, 0.27, 95% confidence interval, -0.32-0.86; average pain, 0.22, -0.25-0.69; and disability, 0.75, -0.29-1.79). Physical therapy yielded somewhat better 6-month disability outcomes than did medical care alone (1.26, 0.20-2.32). CONCLUSIONS: After 6 months of follow-up, chiropractic care and medical care for low back pain were comparable in their effectiveness. Physical therapy may be marginally more effective than medical care alone for reducing disability in some patients, but the possible benefit is small.

Analgesics↗

Obesity and low back pain.

Obesity and low back pain (LBP) are common health problems among patients attending Primary Health Care (PHC) in general practice at the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The objective of this study was to determine whether obesity is associated with low back pain. A cross-sectional face-to-face interview questionnaire survey was conducted. The questionnaire was a modified version of the Roland-Morris Scale for evaluating back disability. The interviews were conducted in Arabic by qualified nurses. A multi-stage stratified sample 1,103 UAE national aged 25-65 years, who attended PHC clinics for any reason, were invited to participate but only 802 subjects were eligible to be included for the statistical analysis. The data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate statistical methods. Of the 802 subjects, 428 (53.4%) were males and 374 (46.6%) were females. The mean age of the males was 40.5 +/- 11.5 years and females was 38.2 +/- 10.5 years (p = 0.004). The mean BMI of the males was 26.4 +/- 7.4 and females was 27.8 +/- 5.6 (p = 0.002). The overall prevalence of LBP in the present study was 64.9% (95% confidence interval, 61.0-68.8) and respectively, 56.1% in males and 73.8% in females. The results revealed that there was association between BMI and some socio-demographic variables with the respect of with low back pain. Back pain had more influence on the life style habits on females than in males. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that only age (p < 0.0001), educational level (p = 0.001), gender (p = 0.002), place of living (p = 0.019), BMI (p < 0.0001), and housing condition (p = 0.02) had significant effect on the presence of LBP in patients. The present study showed that obesity is moderately associated with low back pain.

Adult↗

Etiology of low back pain in athletes.

Low back pain and injury is a common affliction for patients involved in athletic endeavors. For this reason, the health care professional should be cognizant of age-related and sports-specific considerations when evaluating athletes with low back complaints. An elevated index of suspicion with regard to specific etiologies of back pain proves invaluable in order to avoid the misdiagnosis of a more serious problem. Although a number of conditions exist that require more aggressive evaluation and treatment, the majority of low back pain in athletes is self-limiting. In this context, a treatment plan designed to increase low back and abdominal muscle strength, flexibility, and range of motion often proves beneficial not only in returning the athlete to competition, but also in preventing injury recurrence.

Athletic Injuries↗

The course of high-sensitive C-reactive protein in correlation with pain and clinical function in patients with acute lumbosciatic pain and chronic low back pain - a 6 months prospective longitudinal study.

In this prospective longitudinal study with a follow-up of 6 months, the course of serum concentration of C-reactive protein was measured by an ultrasensitive immunoassay in 31 patients with acute lumbosciatic pain and 41 patients with chronic low back pain. High-sensitive CRP (hsCRP), pain and clinical function were assessed at ten fixed time-points during follow-up. The course of hsCRP values was assessed in relation to the course of pain and clinical function adjusting for possible confounding factors. At the beginning of the study, there were no statistically significant differences in mean hsCRP levels in patients with acute lumbosciatic pain (1.49mg/l) compared to the levels obtained in patients with chronic low back pain (1.30mg/l) and those in a control group from the general population (1.26mg/l). In patients with acute lumbosciatic pain, hsCRP declined significantly in the initial period of 3 weeks with a corresponding decrease in pain and improvement in function and clinical evaluation as assessed with the straight leg raising test (SLR), whereas after this period, the course of the hsCRP did not correspond with the clinical parameters. In patients with chronic low back pain, hsCRP remained approximately constant throughout the whole period with no correlation with pain or function. As a conclusion, according to this study levels of hsCRP do not have a major clinical relevance when evaluating the long-term course of patients with acute lumbosciatic pain and chronic low back pain and therefore should not be taken into primary consideration when decisions on therapy are made.

Acute Disease↗

The association between psychopathology and placebo analgesia in patients with discogenic low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Chronic low back pain patients have a high rate of psychopathology, comprised mainly of depression, anxiety, and high levels of neuroticism. We previously found that psychopathology is associated with increased placebo analgesia in this patient group. OBJECTIVE: To better understand this finding in the context of other known predictors of placebo response (such as expectations for relief), we performed a detailed analysis of expectations and other possible covariates. DESIGN: We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, crossover-designed trial of intravenous morphine vs. placebo in 60 subjects with chronic low back pain and discogenic abnormalities. Patients were stratified into three groups of psychiatric symptom severity (Low, Moderate, and High), based on composite scores on depression, anxiety for pain, and neuroticism scales. Subjects were given intravenous morphine and placebo in random order on separate visits, and completed serial pain ratings over 3 h at each session. RESULTS: With 20 subjects per group, there were small, but significant differences between groups in baseline pain ratings. No differences were found between groups in age, gender, and radicular pain. Patients with low psychological symptomatology reported 7.7% total pain relief with placebo compared with 23.4% in the Moderate group and 23.5% in the High group (P < 0.05). Expectations were not significantly different between groups, but in the High group expectation levels predicted placebo analgesia (P < 0.001). Neuropathic pain quality was also a predictor (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that high and moderate levels of psychopathology are associated with heightened placebo analgesia in chronic low back pain patients. Expectations were only an influence in the high psychopathology group, and neuropathic pain affects placebo responses. These findings have implications for future research characterizing placebo responders.

Adult↗

Evaluation of a functional restoration programme in chronic low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Persistent low back pain is a major health and socio-economic problem in the UK. Evidence-based guidelines have been produced to inform management strategies for this significant health issue. This study reports the outcome of a tertiary intervention functional restoration programme (FRP) in manual workers of a water utility company, consistent with UK guidelines. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether a FRP could achieve a sustainable improvement in back health, a sustainable return to full duties and a cost reduction. METHOD: Participants were assessed at start, end, 12 and 24 months post-programme. RESULTS: Eighty-nine employees completed the FRP; 78 returned to normal duties, nine to restricted duties and two left the employer shortly after. Overall, there were significant improvements in psychological status, perceived pain, disability and work capability. Improvements were sustained for 24 months. Sickness absence and the need for post-treatment work restrictions decreased. Reductions in ill-health retirements and compensation claims for low back pain were reduced. CONCLUSION: The findings support the effectiveness of a tertiary intervention FRP for workers with persistent low back pain.

Absenteeism↗

Spondylolysis as a cause of low back pain in swimmers.

Low back pain (LBP) has recently become a common complaint in swimmers. The differential diagnosis of LBP in swimmers includes muscle and ligament sprains, Scheuerman disease, herniated disc, facet joint injury, tumors, infections, and spondylolysis. Although spondylolysis or listhesis is a frequent injury in the athlete, mainly in weightlifters, wrestlers, gymnasts, divers and ballet dancers, it is infrequently reported in swimmers. We have recently encountered four adolescent elite swimmers who complained of low back pain and were diagnosed as having spondylolysis. Three of the patients were either breast-strokers or butterfly swimmers. Plain radiography demonstrated the lesion in two patients. Increased uptake in bone scan was noted in all patients. CT was performed only in two patients and revealed the lesion in both. One patient was diagnosed within two weeks, and the diagnosis in the others was deferred for 2-7 months. The patients were treated successfully by reducing the intensity of their training program and the use of a corset for at least three months. Repeated hyperextension is one of the mechanisms for spondylolysis in athletes as is the case in breast-strokers and butterfly style swimmers. LBP in swimmers should raise the suspicion of spondylolysis. Plain radiography and bone scan should be performed followed by SPEC views, CT, or MRI as indicated. If the case is of acute onset as verified by bone scan, a Boston or similar brace should be used for 3 to 6 months in conjunction with activity modification and optional physical therapy. Multidisciplinary awareness of low back pain in swimmers, which includes trainers, sport medicine physicians, and physical therapists, should lead to early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Adolescent↗

Clinical course and impact of fear-avoidance beliefs in low back pain: prospective cohort study of acute and chronic low back pain: II.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective inception cohort study. OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical course of fear-avoidance beliefs in acute and chronic low back pain (LBP) and investigate the contribution of fear-avoidance beliefs to predict pain and disability after 1 year. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Fear-avoidance beliefs are involved in disability development. There is little knowledge on the development of fear-avoidance beliefs among different LBP subgroups. METHODS: Patients with acute (n = 123) and chronic (n = 50) LBP completed a comprehensive assessment, including the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ), and were followed at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. RESULTS: At baseline, patients with chronic LBP had significantly higher FABQ-scores for work (FABQ-Work) than patients with acute LBP (P < 0.001), and this difference remained unchanged over 1 year (P > 0.21). At baseline, there was no statistical significant difference in FABQ-scores for physical activity (FABQ-PA) between the two groups (P = 0.57). FABQ-PA scores decreased significantly over the first 4 weeks among patients with acute LBP during follow-up and remained unchanged thereafter, whereas in the chronic sample the FABQ-PA scores were unchanged throughout the first year (time effect, P < 0.001; and interaction effect, P < 0.001). In the acute sample, FABQ-Work predicted pain (P < 0.05) and disability at 12 months (P = 0.01). In the chronic sample, FABQ-PA predicted disability at 12 months (P = 0.03). The associations between the FABQ and pain/disability disappeared with distress included in the models. CONCLUSION: Patients with chronic LBP had more fear-avoidance beliefs for work than patients with acute LBP. There were small changes in fear-avoidance beliefs during the year of follow-up, except for a rapid decrease during the first month in the FABQ-PA in the acute sample. Fear-avoidance beliefs predicted pain and disability at 12 months after adjusting for socio-demographic and pain variables. Distress was a stronger predictor than fear-avoidance beliefs.

Acute Disease↗

Can a patient educational book change behavior and reduce pain in chronic low back pain patients?

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: This study was prompted by 1) the almost universal use of patient education as an initial or at least an ancillary step in the treatment of patients presenting with low back pain, 2) the relative dearth of studies evaluating the effectiveness of patient education and 3) the complete lack of support in the few existing studies for the efficacy of education in improving patients' long-term health status. PURPOSE: A feasibility study to evaluate the efficacy of an individualized biomechanical treatment educational booklet to effect improvement in health status. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, longitudinal cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLE: Sixty-two subjects (35 female, 27 male), average age 42.4 years, reported a mean duration of back pain before inclusion of 10.4 years. However, because of attrition, only 48 subjects had complete data across the 18-month follow-up period. OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures included pain status, number of back pain episodes, subject compliance with self-care behaviors, knowledge and opinion of booklet content. METHODS: Volunteers with chronic low back pain were provided a copy of an individualized biomechanical treatment educational book and told they would undergo a written survey of its content 1 week after reading the book. Subjects' health status at 9 and 18 months was evaluated using a structured telephone interview. RESULTS: One week after the 62 subjects, with an average of 10.4 years of symptoms and extensive use of the medical system, finished reading the index book, 51.62% reported noticeable improvement in their pain, their content comprehension was good and opinions about the text were generally positive. At 9-month follow-up, there was statistically significant and clinically relevant improvement in reported pain magnitude (p< .03), number of episodes (p< .0001) and perceived benefit (p< .04). At 18-month follow-up, these gains held or demonstrated even further improvement. CONCLUSION: This study's results suggest that the Treat Your Own Back book may have considerable efficacy in helping readers decrease their own low back pain and reduce the frequency of, or even eliminate, their recurrent episodes. These findings also justify conducting a randomized controlled clinical trial to assess this book's efficacy in improving health status in subjects with low back pain with the study design including internal controls to minimize bias issues and a wider range of outcomes, including measures of pain, function, disability, patient satisfaction, utilization of health care services and psychosocial measures.

Adult↗

Common causes of low back pain in children.

Low back pain in children and adolescents is often caused by a serious problem. The diagnostic investigation should begin with a complete patient history, complete physical examination, laboratory testing, and plain radiography. These results should be used to direct further imaging studies. Although most of the painful injuries that children sustain in recreational activities are mild, back pain that lasts for extended periods may be due to various disorders, including spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis, disk herniation, Scheuermann disease, or neoplasms. Low back pain can also be caused by diskitis and osteomyelitis, most commonly found in children younger than 10 years old. Primary osseous neoplasms of the lumbar spine are uncommon, with Ewing sarcoma, aneurysmal bone cyst, benign osteoblastoma, and osteoid osteoma being the most common followed by primary lymphoma. These lesions occur more often between the ages of 5 and 20 years. Other causes of low back pain include spinal cord tumors (eg, ependymoma), congenital disorders of the spine (eg, scoliosis), and systemic disease (eg, sickle cell disease).

Adolescent↗

Fractures of the lumbar vertebral endplate in the etiology of low back pain: a hypothesis on the causative role of spinal compression in aspecific low back pain.

It is hypothesized that, in a large number of cases of aspecific low back pain, the primary cause of the pain is a fracture of the vertebral endplate caused by compression forces. Clinical studies have shown that, in many low back pain patients, damage of the vertebral bodies and or the intervertebral disc is present. In vitro studies reveal that the most likely type of failure of this anterior part of the spine is a fracture of the endplate as a result of compression. The high incidence of aspecific low back pain concurs with the likeliness of compression fractures of the endplate to occur in everyday life. Furthermore, epidemiological findings and the natural history of low back pain appear to be in line with the proposed hypothesis.

Disease Progression↗

[Epidemiology of low back pain].

Epidemiology of low back pain, that is, the study of the incidence and prevalence of the pain is essential for detecting the degree of time and physical loss in a person or a society, and for making a project to minimize the loss. For carrying out the study, definition of low back pain is important to understand correctly the real state and comparing the variable data resulting from different studies.

Female↗