Articles: low-back-pain.
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Clinical rehabilitation · Aug 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialDifferences in outcome of a multidisciplinary treatment between subgroups of chronic low back pain patients defined using two multiaxial assessment instruments: the multidimensional pain inventory and lumbar dynamometry.
To investigate the effects of a multidisciplinary back school programme (Roessingh Back Rehabilitation Programme, RRP) compared with usual care, as well as differences in treatment outcome between subgroups defined using two multiaxial assessment instruments: the Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI-DLV) and lumbar dynamometry. ⋯ The overall effect of a multidisciplinary treatment is disappointing, however multiaxial assessment before admission might be valuable in clinical practice, resulting in more effective treatments for patients with chronic low back pain.
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Clinical therapeutics · Aug 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical TrialEffects of valdecoxib in the treatment of chronic low back pain: results of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
Valdecoxib, a cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 specific inhibitor, is indicated for relief of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and primary dysmenorrhea. Therapeutic doses of COX-2 specific inhibitors are as effective as nonspecific nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in reducing inflammatory pain while sparing the gastrointestinal and platelet toxicity associated with nonspecific COX-1 inhibition. ⋯ In this study of patients with chronic low back pain, valdecoxib 40 mg/d provided rapid relief (within 1 week) and consistent relief (over 4 weeks). In addition, significant improvement in function and decreased disability were found with valdecoxib compared with placebo.
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Minim Invas Neurosur · Aug 2004
Case ReportsA case of severe low back pain associated with Richard disease (lumbosacral transitional vertebra).
The imaging findings in some cases of low back pain are difficult to describe and the pathophysiology is not clear because subjective findings are usually difficult to document. This report concerns a rare case about the lumbosacral joint causing persistent severe back pain which in itself does not usually have any pathological meaning. We describe the diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of a patient suffering from low back pain with lumbosacral transitional vertebra. ⋯ When the lumbosacral junction shows some instability without fusion, the joint-like region could be the cause of low back pain. The lumbosacral transitional vertebra may be associated with low back pain. Electric denervation of the space between the transverse process of 5th lumbar vertebra and sacral ala is minimally invasive and effective for pain eradication.
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Lumbar spinal stenosis causes various forms of back or leg pain, and is recognized with increasing frequency in elderly patients whose physical status is not always suitable for surgery. Epiduroscopy, a new, minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic technique, may be useful for pain relief in such patients. We investigated the epiduroscopic findings and immediate and long-term changes in back and leg pain after epiduroscopy in elderly patients with spinal stenosis. ⋯ The findings of epiduroscopy corresponded to the symptoms. Epiduroscopy may reduce low back and leg pain in elderly patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis, particularly those with radiculopathy.
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Disability arising from low back pain (LBP) is a growing problem. Current primary care management of LBP has been criticized for its mechanistic basis and for delays in gaining access to specialist advice. Among recent recommendations made for improved management are functional explanatory models, a rehabilitative approach and early access to physical therapy. It is not known if these recommendations can be implemented in mainstream primary care. ⋯ For primary care patients with a new episode of LBP referred by their GP, prompt access to a dedicated physiotherapy service is both feasible and acceptable. Comparison with other published interventions suggests that it is also cost-effective and that a typical Primary Care Trust (PCT) would rapidly recoup the cost of additional physiotherapists. However, questions remain about the availability of sufficient physiotherapists to make such a service available nationally. The influence of the service upon GPs' own approach to the management of LBP is likely to be gradual and to come about largely through positive feedback from patients.