Articles: low-back-pain.
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Comparative Study
A minimal clinically important difference was derived for the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire for low back pain.
To compare methods commonly used to derive minimal important differences and recommend a rule for defining patients as clinically improved on the low back pain-specific Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ). ⋯ A minimal clinically important difference is derived that is clinically relevant, incorporates the measurement error of the RMDQ, and allows subjects with different grades of severity to improve.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Infrared therapy for chronic low back pain: a randomized, controlled trial.
The objective of the present study was to assess the degree of pain relief obtained by applying infrared (IR) energy to the low back in patients with chronic, intractable low back pain. ⋯ The IR therapy unit used was demonstrated to be effective in reducing chronic low back pain, and no adverse effects were observed.
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Comparative Study
Relationship between low-back pain, muscle spasm and pressure pain thresholds in patients with lumbar disc herniation.
It is not known whether or not muscle spasm of the back muscles presented in patients with sciatic scoliosis caused by lumbar disc herniation produces muscle pain and/or tenderness. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) of the lower back and low-back pain were examined in 52 patients (13 of 52 presenting sciatic scoliosis) with lumbar disc herniation who complained of radicular pain and in 15 normal subjects. PPTs were measured at five points bilaterally using an electronic pressure algometer. ⋯ PPTs on the herniation side were significantly lower than those on the contralateral side in patients with low-back pain dominantly on the herniation side. Furthermore, the areas of low PPTs were beyond the innervation area of dorsal ramus of L5 and S1 nerve root. It was considered that not only the peripheral mechanisms but also the hyper excitability of the central nervous system might contribute in lowering PPTs of the lower back on the herniation side.
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At present, there is an increasing international trend towards evidence-based health care. The field of low back pain (LBP) research in primary care is an excellent example of evidence-based health care because there is a huge body of evidence from randomized trials. These trials have been summarized in a large number of systematic reviews. ⋯ There is no evidence that any of these interventions provides long-term effects on pain and function. Also, many trials showed methodological weaknesses, effects are compared to placebo, no treatment or waiting list controls, and effect sizes are small. Future trials should meet current quality standards and have adequate sample size.
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Validation of a translated, culturally adapted questionnaire. ⋯ The Spanish version of the FABQ has good comprehensibility, internal consistency, and reliability. It cannot be analyzed parametrically, but only nonparametrically. The total FABQ is at least as valid as its subscales and simpler to score, making it more suitable for routine clinical use.