Articles: low-back-pain.
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We compared the diagnostic accuracy of lumbar facet blocks guided by either conventional fluoroscopy or CT fluoroscopy (CTF). Seventy-one blocks were performed with conventional fluoroscopy, and 58 were performed using CTF. ⋯ The CTF group had a greater percentage decrease in pain (79.5% +/- 31.1%) than did the conventional fluoroscopy group (55.5% +/- 38.0%; P < .0005). We conclude lumbar facet blocks by using CTF guidance results in greater diagnostic accuracy than do conventional fluoroscopy.
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Cross-sectional analysis of analgesic use by patients with low back pain (LBP). ⋯ With this health plan, a high proportion of patients with LBP had claims for opioids during 2001. The use of opioids by patients with LBP represents a major cost for the health plan, and is associated with specific patient characteristics and their use of other LBP services.
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Low back pain limits activity and is the second most frequent reason for physician visits. Previous research shows widespread use of acupuncture for low back pain. ⋯ Acupuncture effectively relieves chronic low back pain. No evidence suggests that acupuncture is more effective than other active therapies.
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Inception cohort study. ⋯ During a period of 3 months, 24% of the patients had not recovered. Psychological factors and neurological signs were strongly associated with nonrecovery at 3 months. In addition to the traditional examination of neurological symptoms and signs, psychological factors should be considered already at the initial visit of an episode of low back pain.