Articles: low-back-pain.
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The health services sector has been identified as a high-risk work sector for low back pain (LBP) and related absenteeism. ⋯ LBP prevalence rates did not differ significantly between occupational groups but occupation was found to be an independent predictor of LBP-related sick leave. Involvement in manual handling did not predict either LBP or related sick leave.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Material handling performance of patients with chronic low back pain during functional capacity evaluation: a comparison between three countries.
Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) are batteries of tests designed to measure patients' ability to perform work-related activities. Although FCEs are used worldwide, it is unknown how patients' performances compare between countries or settings. This study was performed to explore similarities and differences in FCE performance of patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) between three international settings that utilize the same FCE protocol. ⋯ Considerable differences were observed between settings in maximum weight handled on the various FCE items. Future FCE research should examine the effects of a number of potentially influential factors, including variability in evaluator judgements across settings, the evaluator-patient interaction and patients' expectations of the influence of FCE results on disability compensation.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
A randomised controlled trial of acupuncture care for persistent low back pain: cost effectiveness analysis.
To evaluate the cost effectiveness of acupuncture in the management of persistent non-specific low back pain. ⋯ A short course of traditional acupuncture for persistent non-specific low back pain in primary care confers a modest health benefit for minor extra cost to the NHS compared with usual care. Acupuncture care for low back pain seems to be cost effective in the longer term.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Randomised controlled trial of a short course of traditional acupuncture compared with usual care for persistent non-specific low back pain.
To determine whether a short course of traditional acupuncture improves longer term outcomes for patients with persistent non-specific low back pain in primary care. ⋯ Weak evidence was found of an effect of acupuncture on persistent non-specific low back pain at 12 months, but stronger evidence of a small benefit at 24 months. Referral to a qualified traditional acupuncturist for a short course of treatment seems safe and acceptable to patients with low back pain.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Validity of the new Backache Index (BAI) in patients with low back pain.
The Backache Index (BAI) is applied to patients with low back pain (LBP) in order to help therapists, doctors, and surgeons perform physical examinations easily. It is carried out within a short space of time (<2 min) without using inclinometric instruments. ⋯ The BAI appears to be a reliable and valid assessment of overall restricted spinal movements in case of LBP and discriminates between successful and unsuccessful treatment outcome.