Articles: back-pain.
-
The purpose of this study was to synthesize recommendations on the use of common elective surgical and interventional procedures for individuals with persistent and disabling non-radicular/axial with or without myelopathy, radicular back pain, cervical myelopathy, symptomatic spinal stenosis, and fractures due to osteoporosis. This review was to inform a clinical care pathway on the patient presentations where surgical interventions could reasonably be considered. ⋯ Elective surgery and interventional procedures could be limited in medically underserved areas and low- and middle-income countries due to a lack of resources and surgeons and thus surgical and interventional procedures should be prioritized within these settings. There are non-invasive alternatives that produce similar outcomes and are a recommended option where surgical procedures are not available. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Randomized Controlled Trial of Nurse-Delivered Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Versus Supportive Psychotherapy Telehealth Interventions for Chronic Back Pain.
This study evaluated a nurse-delivered, telehealth intervention of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) versus supportive psychotherapy for chronic back pain. Participants (N = 61) had chronic back pain (pain "daily" ≥6 months at an intensity of ≥4 of 10 scale) and were randomized to an 8-week, 12-session, CBT or to supportive care (SC) matched for frequency, format, and time, with each treatment delivered by a primary care nurse. The primary outcome was the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). ⋯ SC participants (n = 31) also showed significant improvements on the RMDQ (mean = 11.1 [SD = 5.4] vs 9.1 [SD = 5.2], respectively, P < .05; d = .38), the NRS, (mean = 5.0 [SD = 1.9] vs 3.8 [SD = 2.1], respectively, P < .05; d = .60), and 26.7% reporting "much improved" or "very much improved" on the CGI. Between groups comparisons of CBT and SC showed no differences on the study outcomes (Ps > .10). The results suggest that telehealth, nurse-delivered CBT, and SC treatments for chronic back pain can offer significant and relatively comparable benefits.
-
The purpose of this review was to synthesize literature on the burden of spinal disorders in rural communities to inform the Global Spine Care Initiative care pathway and model of care for their application in medically underserved areas and low- and middle-income countries. ⋯ We identified few high-quality studies that may inform patients, providers, policymakers, and other stakeholders about spinal disorders and their burden on individuals and communities in most rural places of the developing world. These findings should be a call to action to devote resources for high-quality research to fill these knowledge gaps in medically underserved areas and low and middle-income countries. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
-
Observational Study
Long-term outcomes of a large, prospective observational cohort of older adults with back pain.
Although back pain is common among older adults, there is relatively little research on the course of back pain in this age group. ⋯ Baseline patient factors were more important than early interventions in explaining disability and pain after 2 years.
-
The purpose of this report is to describe the development of a classification system that would apply to anyone with a spine-related concern and that can be used in an evidence-based spine care pathway. ⋯ An international and interprofessional group developed a comprehensive classification system for all potential presentations of people who may seek care or advice at a spine care program. This classification can be used in the development of a spine care pathway, in clinical practice, and for research purposes. This classification needs to be tested for validity, reliability, and consistency among clinicians from different specialties and in different communities and cultures. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.