Articles: back-pain.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
A trial of an activating intervention for chronic back pain in primary care and physical therapy settings.
In primary care and physical therapy settings, we evaluated an intervention for chronic back pain patients which incorporated fear reducing and activating techniques. Primary care patients seen for back pain in primary care were screened to identify persons with significant activity limitations 8-10 weeks after their visit. Eligible and willing patients were randomized (N=240). ⋯ The adjusted mean difference in activity limitation days was 4.5 days at 6 months, 2.8 days at 12 months, and 6.9 days at 24 months. No differences were observed in the percent unemployed or the percent receiving worker's compensation or disability benefits, but these outcomes were relatively uncommon. We conclude that an intervention integrating fear reducing and activating interventions into care for chronic back pain patients produced sustained reductions in patient fears, common activity limitations related to back pain, and days missed from usual activities due to back pain.
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Dental health care workers are vulnerable to back and neck pain resulting from poor occupational posture. While numerous choices exist for treatment, this article will provide them with a practical approach to seeking out appropriate care for this common malady. The McKenzie treatment approach is discussed and recommendations for its application are presented to provide the reader with a starting point for treatment. For the dental health care worker experiencing pain and dysfunction of the back and/or neck, as more than half will during their careers, this article will seek to provide an overview of potential causes while creating a roadmap for seeking the most appropriate conservative "antidote" for their care.