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Varrassi G, Hanna M, Coaccioli S, Suada M, Perrot S. DANTE Study: The First Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo and Active-Controlled, Parallel Arm Group Study Evaluating the Analgesic Efficacy and Safety of Dexketoprofen TrometAmol aNd Tramadol Hydrochloride Oral FixEd Dose Combination on Moderate to Severe Acute Pain in Patients with Acute Low Back Pain-Rationale and Design. Pain Ther 2022; 11:1055-1070. [PMID: 35788976 PMCID: PMC9314501 DOI: 10.1007/s40122-022-00407-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite a wide range of treatment approaches and the availability of treatment recommendations or guidelines, no consensus on the most effective pharmacological therapy of low back pain (LBP) has been reached yet. Therefore, additional clinical evidence, particularly if built upon a rigorous clinical trial design, an evidence-based medication choice, and broader inclusion criteria better acknowledging the heterogeneity and intrinsic variability of LBP is needed. The DANTE study has been designed to comprehensively assess the analgesic efficacy and tolerability of dexketoprofen/tramadol (DKP/TRAM) 75/25 mg in a large cohort of patients with moderate to severe acute LBP. METHODS The DANTE study is a phase IV, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy parallel group, placebo, and active controlled study. The DANTE study encompasses a single-dose phase (day 1, t0-t8h) and a multiple-dose phase (from t8h to 8 h after intake of last dose at day 5). The DANTE study population includes patients naïve to LBP or patients with previous history of LBP experiencing a new episode of moderate to severe intensity with or without radiculopathy. The clinical phase of the DANTE study started in September 2020 and the anticipated completion date is April 2022. PLANNED OUTCOMES The primary endpoint is the time to first achieve a numeric rating scale-pain intensity (NRS-PI) score of < 4 or a pain intensity reduction ≥ 30% from drug intake up to 8 h after the first dose (t8h). Secondary objectives aim are: (1) to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of TRAM/DKP 75/25 mg versus TRAM 100 mg after the first dose; (2) to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of TRAM/DKP 75/25 mg versus TRAM 100 mg after the multiple doses (from t8h until day 5, multiple dose); and (3) to assess the safety and tolerability of the TRAM/DKP 75/25 mg fixed combination after single and multiple doses. DANTE STUDY REGISTRATION EudraCT number: 2019-003656-37.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Magdi Hanna
- Analgesics and Pain Research (APR) Ltd, Beckenham, UK
| | | | - Meto Suada
- grid.417562.30000 0004 1757 5468Global Medical Affairs, Menarini, Florence, Italy
| | - Serge Perrot
- grid.508487.60000 0004 7885 7602Pain Center, INSERM U987, Hôpital Cochin, University of Paris, Paris, France
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Kelekis A, Bonaldi G, Cianfoni A, Filippiadis D, Scarone P, Bernucci C, Hooper DM, Benhabib H, Murphy K, Buric J. Intradiscal oxygen-ozone chemonucleolysis versus microdiscectomy for lumbar disc herniation radiculopathy: a non-inferiority randomized control trial. Spine J 2022; 22:895-909. [PMID: 34896609 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2021.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Low back pain with or without radicular leg pain is an extremely common health condition significantly impacting patient's activities and quality of life. When conservative management fails, epidural injections providing only temporary relief, are frequently utilized. Intradiscal oxygen-ozone may offer an alternative to epidural injections and further reduce the need for microdiscectomy. PURPOSE To compare the non-inferiority treatment status and clinical outcomes of intradiscal oxygen-ozone with microdiscectomy in patients with refractory radicular leg pain due to single-level contained lumbar disc herniations. STUDY DESIGN / SETTING Multicenter pilot prospective non-inferiority blocked randomized control trial conducted in three European hospital spine centers. PATIENT SAMPLE Forty-nine patients (mean 40 years of age, 17 females/32 males) with a single-level contained lumbar disc herniation, radicular leg pain for more than six weeks, and resistant to medical management were randomized, 25 to intradiscal oxygen-ozone and 24 to microdiscectomy. 88% (43 of 49) received their assigned treatment and constituted the AS-Treated (AT) population. OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome was overall 6-month improvement over baseline in leg pain. Other validated clinical outcomes, including back numerical rating pain scores (NRS), Roland Morris Disability Index (RMDI) and EQ-5D, were collected at baseline, 1 week, 1-, 3-, and 6-months. Procedural technical outcomes were recorded and adverse events were evaluated at all follow-up intervals. METHODS Oxygen-ozone treatment performed as outpatient day surgeries, included a one-time intradiscal injection delivered at a concentration of 35±3 μg/cc of oxygen-ozone by a calibrated delivery system. Discectomies performed as open microdiscectomy inpatient surgeries, were without spinal instrumentation, and not as subtotal microdiscectomies. Primary analyses with a non-inferiority margin of -1.94-point difference in 6-month cumulative weighted mean leg pain NRS scores were conducted using As-Treated (AT) and Intent-to-Treat (ITT) populations. In post hoc analyses, differences between treatment groups in improvement over baseline were compared at each follow-up visit, using baseline leg pain as a covariate. RESULTS In the primary analysis, the overall 6-month difference between treatment groups in leg pain improvement using the AT population was -0.31 (SE, 0.84) points in favor of microdiscectomy and using the ITT population, the difference was 0.32 (SE, 0.88) points in favor of oxygen-ozone. The difference between oxygen-ozone and microdiscectomy did not exceed the non-inferiority 95% confidence lower limit of treatment difference in either the AT (95% lower limit, -1.72) or ITT (95% lower limit, -1.13) populations. Both treatments resulted in rapid and statistically significant improvements over baseline in leg pain, back pain, RMDI, and EQ-5D that persisted in follow-up. Between group differences were not significant for any outcomes. During 6-month follow-up, 71% (17 of 24) of patients receiving oxygen-ozone, avoided microdiscectomy. The mean procedure time for oxygen-ozone was significantly faster than microdiscectomy by 58 minutes (p<.0010) and the mean discharge time from procedure was significantly shorter for the oxygen-ozone procedure (4.3±2.9 hours vs. 44.2±29.9 hours, p<.001). No major adverse events occurred in either treatment group. CONCLUSIONS Intradiscal oxygen-ozone chemonucleolysis for single-level lumbar disc herniations unresponsive to medical management, met the non-inferiority criteria to microdiscectomy on 6-month mean leg pain improvement. Both treatment groups achieved similar rapid significant clinical improvements that persisted and overall, 71% undergoing intradiscal oxygen-ozone were able to avoid surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Kelekis
- University General Hospital Attikon, Athens, Haidari 12462, Greece
| | - Giuseppe Bonaldi
- Azienda Ospedaliera Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Lombardia 24127, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cianfoni
- Department of Neuroradiology, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Lugano 6900, Switzerland; Department of Interventional and Diagnostic Neuroradiology, Inselspital University Hospital of Bern, Bern 3008, Switzerland
| | | | - Pietro Scarone
- Department of Neuroradiology, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Lugano 6900, Switzerland; Department of Interventional and Diagnostic Neuroradiology, Inselspital University Hospital of Bern, Bern 3008, Switzerland
| | - Claudio Bernucci
- Azienda Ospedaliera Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Lombardia 24127, Italy
| | | | - Hadas Benhabib
- Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kieran Murphy
- Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Josip Buric
- Casa di Cura San Camillo, Forte dei Marmi, Lucca 55042, Italy
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Lee S, Jang SH, Suzuki-Narita M, Gregoire S, Millecamps M, Stone LS. Voluntary running attenuates behavioural signs of low back pain: dimorphic regulation of intervertebral disc inflammation in male and female SPARC-null mice. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2022; 30:110-123. [PMID: 34534663 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2021.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of running exercise on behavioral measures of pain and intervertebral disc (IVD) inflammation in the SPARC-null mouse model. METHODS Male and female 8-month old SPARC-null and age-matched control mice received a home cage running wheel or a control, fixed wheel for 6 months. Behavioral assays were performed to assess axial discomfort (grip test) and radiating leg pain (von Frey, acetone tests) and voluntary running was confirmed. Expression of inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-10, CCL5, CXCL1, CXCL5, RANKL, M-CSF, and VEGF) in IVDs was determined. Additional inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-1Ra, CXCR1, CXCR2) and macrophage phenotypic markers (ITGAM, CD80, CD86, CD206, Arg1) in IVDs were investigated by qPCR. RESULTS Voluntary running attenuated behavioral measures of pain in male and female SPARC-null mice. Increases in mediators including IL-1β, CXCL1 and CXCL5 were observed in SPARC-null compared to control IVDs. After 6 months of running, increases in M-CSF and VEGF were observed in male SPARC-null IVDs. In females, pro-inflammatory mediators, including CXCL1 and CXCL5 were downregulated by running in SPARC-null mice. qPCR analysis further confirmed the anti-inflammatory effect of running in female IVDs with increased IL-1Ra mRNA. Running induced upregulation of the macrophage marker ITGAM mRNA in males. CONCLUSIONS Voluntary running reversed behavioral signs of pain in male and female mice and reduced inflammatory mediators in females, but not males. Thus, the therapeutic mechanism of action may be sex-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lee
- Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; The Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - S H Jang
- Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; The Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - M Suzuki-Narita
- Department of Bioenvironmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - S Gregoire
- Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; The Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - M Millecamps
- Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; The Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - L S Stone
- Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; The Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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Reddington M, Baxter S, Walters SJ. A qualitative exploration of patient experiences of medication for sciatica. Musculoskelet Sci Pract 2021; 55:102419. [PMID: 34186473 DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2021.102419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sciatica is often a painful and disabling condition, with medication routinely the first line of management. It is important to describe patients experiences of taking medication for sciatica, the reasons for commencing and reasons for cessation, the effects of the medication in symptom management and any other potential positive or deleterious effects. OBJECTIVES To describe patient experiences of medication for the relief of symptoms of sciatica. STUDY DESIGN Qualitative analysis of data from a mixed-methods randomised controlled pilot study. METHODS A total of 46 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 33 consenting participants (19 female) recruited from 14 GP practices. A purposive sampling strategy ensured a range of age, severity of pain and disability. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim prior to thematic analysis, which aimed to identify the important, interesting or divergent views within the data. FINDINGS Participant experiences of pain were often severe with significant disability and fear. The use of a combination of medications was common, including the use of opioids and other medication inconsistent with national (NICE) guidance. Most participants found medication ineffective and reported significant side-effects, often necessitating cessation of the drugs or the use of alternatives. Despite the regularity of participants stopping all medication for sciatica, their pain levels still significantly eased over the 6-month period of the study. CONCLUSIONS The study highlighted a lack of perceived effectiveness for prescribed medication, often with concomitant side-effects. Clinicians should be cognisant of the fears that patients hold in terms of the cause and severity of sciatica, as well as fears of prescribed medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Reddington
- Therapy Services Outpatient Department Northern General Hospital Herries Road Sheffield, S5 7AU, UK.
| | - Susan Baxter
- Section of Public Health ScHARR, University of Sheffield 30 Regents Court Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK.
| | - Stephen J Walters
- Designs, Trials and Statistics, ScHARR, University of Sheffield, 30 Regents Court, Sheffield, S1 4DA, UK.
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Shrestha P, Subba L, Agrawal P, Lohani S. Outcome of transforaminal epidural steroid injection for lumbar radiculopathy: initial three-year experience at Upendra Devkota Memorial-National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences, Nepal. Chin Neurosurg J 2020; 6:6. [PMID: 32922935 PMCID: PMC7398303 DOI: 10.1186/s41016-020-0184-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of low back pain with radiculopathy in general population varies from 9.9% to 25%, which can be due to bony narrowing of the lateral recess or due to prolapsed intervertebral disc. Transforaminal epidural injection of a mixture of long-acting anaesthetic (bupivacaine) and particulate steroids (depomedrol) has been a treatment modality in patients not responding to initial physiotherapy and neuropathic pain medications. Methods To analyze the effectiveness of transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI) in the treatment of low back pain with radiculopathy, a retrospective case series evaluating the records of patients that received TFESI (1 mL 0.5% bupivacaine +1 ml/40 mg depomedrol) under C-arm guidance from January 2015 to December 2018 (3 years) at Upendra Devkota Memorial-National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences (UDM-NINAS), their lumbo-sacral MRI and the pre-procedure, 1-week and 3-month numeric pain rating scale, were analyzed. Successful treatment (reduction of pain scale by more than 50% of baseline at 3 months) in the patients with bony recess stenosis and those with prolapsed intervertebral disc was compared. Results Out of 67 patients that received TFESI, 35 (52.23%) could be followed up. The mean age was 55.8 ± 14.39 years and 51.3% were females. 68.57% had L5 and 20% had S1 radiculopathy. Bony recess stenosis was seen in the aged 40% and PIVD was the cause of radiculopathy in 60%. The median duration of radicular pain prior to intervention was 3 months. TFESI was effective as the mean numeric pain scale before injection was 8.97 ± 1.32 which reduced to 3.91 ± 3.23 (paired t test p value < 0.001) at 1 week post injection and 3.23 ± 3.34 (paired t test p value < 0.001) at 3 months post injection. Twenty-six of the 35 patients (75.29%) had more than 50% pain relief compared to baseline at 3 months and were satisfied. Nine patients continued to have pain; however, only one required a surgical intervention. The effectiveness of TFESI was not significantly different in different ages (Fisher’s exact test p value 0.182) and in different anatomic levels (Fisher’s exact test p value 0.241). Six out of eight patients with bony recess stenosis benefited as compared to 14 out of 19 patients with PIVD, though it was not statistically significant (Fischer’s exact test p value 0.688). There were no adverse events recorded. Conclusion TFESI is a safe and efficacious treatment modality in patients with radicular low back pain especially in aged patients in whom surgery under general anaesthesia is not free from risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratyush Shrestha
- Upendra Devkota Memorial-National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences (UDM-NINAS), Bansbari, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Lojima Subba
- Upendra Devkota Memorial-National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences (UDM-NINAS), Bansbari, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Prity Agrawal
- Upendra Devkota Memorial-National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences (UDM-NINAS), Bansbari, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Subash Lohani
- Upendra Devkota Memorial-National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences (UDM-NINAS), Bansbari, Kathmandu, Nepal
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Shi W, Agbese E, Solaiman AZ, Leslie DL, Gater DR. Performance of Pain Interventionalists From Different Specialties in Treating Degenerative Disk Disease-Related Low Back Pain. Arch Rehabil Res Clin Transl 2020; 2:100060. [PMID: 33543087 PMCID: PMC7853372 DOI: 10.1016/j.arrct.2020.100060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the utilization of current common treatments by providers from different specialties and the effect on delaying spinal surgery in patients with disk degenerative disease (DDD) related low back pain. DESIGN Retrospective observational study using data from the MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database (2005-2013). SETTING Not applicable. PARTICIPANTS Patients (N=6229) newly diagnosed with DDD-related low back pain who received interventional treatments from only 1 provider specialty and continuously enrolled in the database for 3 years after diagnosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Measures of treatment utilization and cost were constructed for patients who received spinal surgery within 3 years after diagnosis. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine time to surgery among provider specialties and generalized linear models were used to examine cost differences among provider specialties. RESULTS Of the 6229 patients, 427 (6.86%) underwent spinal surgery with unadjusted mean interventional treatment costs ranging from $555 to $851. Although the differences in mean costs across provider specialties were large, they were not statistically significant. Cox proportional hazards models showed that there was no significant difference between provider specialties in the time from DDD diagnosis to spinal surgery. However, patients diagnosed with DDD at a younger age and receiving physical therapy had significantly delayed time to surgery (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54-0.81 and hazard ratio, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.62-0.96, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Although there were no statistically significant differences among provider specialties for time to surgery and cost, patients receiving physical therapy had significantly delayed time to surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weibin Shi
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Penn State Health Milton S Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA
- Pennsylvania State Hershey Rehabilitation Hospital, Hummelstown, PA
| | - Edeanya Agbese
- The Center for Applied Studies in Health Economics, Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | | | - Douglas L. Leslie
- The Center for Applied Studies in Health Economics, Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - David R. Gater
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL
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Liu C, Abdel Shaheed C, McLachlan AJ, Latimer J, Li Q, Buchbinder R, Day RO, Maher CG, Richards B, Oliveira JS, Lin CWC. OASIS-a randomised, placebo-controlled trial of oral glucocorticoids for leg pain in patients with acute sciatica: trial protocol. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e040559. [PMID: 32580990 PMCID: PMC7312281 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sciatica is a lower spine condition characterised by radiating leg pain below the knee. It may be accompanied by motor and sensory loss in the distribution of a spinal nerve. There are few effective treatments for sciatica. Orally administered glucocorticoids have shown some promise, however, any beneficial effects need to be confirmed and weighed against drug safety and cost-effectiveness, in a high-quality, definitive trial. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The Oral Steroids In Sciatica (OASIS) trial is a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial that will evaluate a tapering regimen of oral prednisolone in 200 participants with acute sciatica. Participants will be recruited on presentation to general practice, specialist outpatient clinics or hospital emergency departments and randomised to receive orally administered prednisolone 50 mg per day, up to 3 days then tapering to cessation over 10 days, or placebo, for a maximum of 13 days, in addition to guideline advice. Participants will be followed for 1 year. The primary endpoint will be leg pain intensity at 2 weeks. Secondary outcomes will include back pain intensity, disability, time to recovery, quality of life and treatment success rate. Adverse events will be assessed and a cost-effectiveness analysis will be conducted. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval has been granted from the Human Research Ethics Committee, The University of Sydney. Trial results will be disseminated by publications and conference presentations and via the media. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ACTRN12619001716156.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christina Abdel Shaheed
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew J McLachlan
- Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jane Latimer
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Qiang Li
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rachelle Buchbinder
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Cabrini Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard O Day
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, St Vincent Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher G Maher
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bethan Richards
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Rheumatology Department, Institute of Rheumatology and Orthopaedics, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Juliana S Oliveira
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chung-Wei Christine Lin
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Lee S, Millecamps M, Foster DZ, Stone LS. Long-term histological analysis of innervation and macrophage infiltration in a mouse model of intervertebral disc injury-induced low back pain. J Orthop Res 2020; 38:1238-1247. [PMID: 31814143 DOI: 10.1002/jor.24560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of global disability. Multiple anatomical, cellular, and molecular factors are implicated in LBP, including the degeneration of lumbar intervertebral discs (IVDs). We previously described a mouse model that displays behavioral symptoms of chronic LBP. Here, we investigated the development of pathological innervation and macrophage infiltration into injured IVDs following a puncture injury in mice over 12 months. 2-month old CD1 female mice underwent a single puncture of the ventral L4/5 IVD using a 30G needle, and were sacrificed 4 days and 0.5-, 3-, 6- and 12-months post-injury. Severity of disc degeneration was assessed using colorimetric staining. IVD innervation was measured by PGP9.5-immunoreactivity (-ir) and calcitonin gene-related peptide-ir (CGRP-ir). Macrophage accumulation into IVDs was detected by F4/80-ir. Mechanical IVD injury resulted in severe degeneration and increased PGP9.5-ir nerve fiber density starting at 4 days that persisted for up to 12 months and dorsal herniations began to occur at 3 months. CGRP-ir was also upregulated in injured IVDs, with the largest increase at 12 months after injury. Infiltration of F4/80-ir macrophages was observed in injured IVDs by day 4 both dorsally and ventrally, with the latter diminishing in the later stage. Persistent LBP is a complex disease with multiple underlying pathologies. By highlighting pathological changes in IVD innervation and inflammation, our study suggests that strategies targeting these mechanisms might be useful therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seunghwan Lee
- Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,The Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Magali Millecamps
- Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,The Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Daniel Z Foster
- Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,The Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Laura S Stone
- Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,The Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Departments of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Kim KH, Leem MJ, Yi TI, Kim JS, Yoon SY. Balance Ability in Low Back Pain Patients With Lumbosacral Radiculopathy Evaluated With Tetrax: A Matched Case-Control Study. Ann Rehabil Med 2020; 44:195-202. [PMID: 32475097 PMCID: PMC7349042 DOI: 10.5535/arm.19101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To compare postural balance ability in patients with low back pain between groups with and without lumbosacral radiculopathy. Methods Patients who were referred for electromyography because of low back pain during the period from April 2017 through June 2018 were chosen as subjects. They were divided into groups with and without lumbosacral radiculopathy based on the results of electromyography. We used Tetrax (Sunlight Medical Ltd., Ramat Gan, Israel) to objectively evaluate postural balance ability, and to measure the fall risk, stability index, weight distribution index, and Fourier index. Results Patients in the lumbosacral radiculopathy group showed significantly higher fall risk (73.25 vs. 38.00; p<0.05), weight distribution index (8.57 vs. 5.00; p<0.05), and stability index (21.19 vs. 13.16; p<0.05) than those in the group without lumbosacral radiculopathy. The Fourier index at high-medium frequency was significantly increased in the lumbosacral radiculopathy group (8.27 vs. 5.56; p<0.05), whereas weight-bearing on the side of radiculopathy was significantly decreased. Conclusion Patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy have decreased postural balance compared with patients without this condition. Somatosensory disturbances in lumbosacral radiculopathy might cause postural balance impairment. Assessment and treatment plan not only for pain reduction but also for postural balance improvement should be considered in the management of patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kee Hoon Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Min Jeong Leem
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Tae Im Yi
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Joo Sup Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Seo Yeon Yoon
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Bundang Jesaeng General Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
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10
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Ford JJ, Kaddour O, Page P, Richards MC, McMeeken JM, Hahne AJ. A multivariate prognostic model for pain and activity limitation in people undergoing lumbar discectomy. Br J Neurosurg 2020; 34:381-387. [PMID: 32216592 DOI: 10.1080/02688697.2020.1742288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify a multivariate predictive model for 6-month outcomes on overall pain, leg pain and activity limitation in patients undergoing lumbar discectomy. Identification of predictors of outcome for lumbar discectomy has the potential to assist identifying treatment targets, clinical decision making and disease understanding.Materials and methods: Prospective cohort design. Ninety-seven patients deemed by study surgeons to be suitable for lumbar discectomy completed a comprehensive clinical and radiological baseline assessment. At 6-months post surgery outcome measures of overall and leg pain (visual analogue scale) as well as activity limitation (Oswestry Disability Index) were completed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the best multivariate predictive model of outcome.Results: In the multivariate model, presence of a compensation claim, longer duration of injury and presence of below knee pain and/or parasthesia were negative prognostic indicators for at least two of the outcomes. Peripheralization in response to mechanical loading strategies was a positive prognostic indicator for overall pain and leg pain. A range of other prognostic indicators for one outcome were also identified. The prognostic model explained up to 32% of the variance in outcome.Conclusions: An 11-factor prognostic model was identified from a range of clinically and radiologically assessed variables in accordance with a biopsychosocial model. The multivariate model has potential implications for researchers and practitioners in the field. Further high quality research is required to externally validate the prognostic model, evaluate effect of the identified prognostic factors on treatment effectiveness and explore potential mechanisms of effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon J Ford
- College of Science, Health & Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia.,Advance Healthcare, Boronia, Australia
| | | | - Patrick Page
- Box Hill Radiology, Epworth Eastern Hospital, Box Hill, Australia
| | - Matthew C Richards
- College of Science, Health & Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia.,Advance Healthcare, Boronia, Australia
| | - Joan M McMeeken
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Andrew J Hahne
- College of Science, Health & Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
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11
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Abdel Shaheed C, Maher CG, Buchbinder R, Ng B, Enke O, Guzowski R, McLachlan AJ, Day RO, Richards B, Latimer J, Lin CWC. Efficacy and harms of orally, intramuscularly or intravenously administered glucocorticoids for sciatica: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Pain 2020; 24:518-535. [PMID: 31715647 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sciatica can be a debilitating condition and there is limited guidance on the use of glucocorticoids administered via the oral, intramuscular or intravenous route for this condition. These represent viable treatment options in the primary care setting. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the evidence on efficacy and harms of oral, IM and IV glucocorticoid administration for sciatica. DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, PsycINFO (inception to October 2018) were searched for randomised placebo-controlled trials evaluating oral, IV or IM glucocorticoid administration for sciatica. Two authors extracted outcomes data. Continuous pain and disability outcomes were converted to a 0 (no pain/disability) to 100 (worst pain/disability) scale. Data were pooled using a random effects model. Overall quality of evidence was assessed using GRADE. Primary outcomes were leg pain and disability. Primary follow-up period was the immediate-term (<2 weeks from administration). We also considered adverse events. RESULTS Nine trials were eligible. One study [n = 27] provided low quality evidence of a small reduction in disability with early administration of oral prednisone (within 1 week); MD -13.4 [-23.3, -3.5] but not for pain MD -2.5 [-16.9, 11.9]. There was low quality evidence from one study [n = 78] of moderate reduction in disability and small reduction in pain with early (within 72 hr of symptom onset) single intramuscular administration of methylprednisolone acetate; MD -24.5 [-38.8, -10.2] and -14.0 [-27.4, -0.6], respectively. There were no immediate-term benefits with IV administration. CONCLUSION The effects of glucocorticoids on immediate-term leg pain or disability are uncertain. Future large high quality trials are needed to resolve this uncertainty.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chris G Maher
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Local Health District, Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rachelle Buchbinder
- Monash Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Cabrini Institute, Melbourne Victoria, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Beverly Ng
- Department of Rheumatology, St George Hospital Kogarah, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Oliver Enke
- Department of Orthopaedics, Nepean Hospital, Kingswood, NSW, Australia
| | - Robert Guzowski
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew J McLachlan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Centre for Research Excellence in Medicines and Ageing, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ric O Day
- St Vincent's Hospital Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bethan Richards
- Department of Rheumatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane Latimer
- Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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12
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Li F, Wang J, Liu A, Xin L, Zhong S, Hong Y, Chen Y. Prolonged lumbosacral pain as the initial presentation in acute lymphoblastic leukemia in an adult: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e15912. [PMID: 31192927 PMCID: PMC6587475 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000015912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE The differential diagnosis of conditions manifesting as bone and joint pain is complex. Although many individuals with acute leukemia experience bone pain, lumbosacral pain as an early feature of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is rare. PATIENT CONCERNS Here we report a case of an adult who presented with a 7-month history of persistent lumbosacral pain which had become more severe during the previous month. DIAGNOSES Prior to referral, his full blood count revealed no abnormalities, and a computerized tomography scan revealed mild bone hyperplasia of his lumbar vertebrae, with disc herniations of L3-S1. His blood biochemistry and urinary test results had been normal. After referral to our clinic, tests of the morphology, immunology, cytogenetics, and molecular biology of his bone marrow led to a diagnosis of MLL-AF4 fusion positive B-cell ALL. INTERVENTIONS Prior to his referral, he had been treated with painkillers by local doctors. The painkillers initially provided pain relief, but their effect wore off over time. After diagnosis, he was started on an adult ALL chemotherapy protocol. OUTCOMES His symptoms resolved within a week of starting chemotherapy. At his most recent assessment, 10 months after diagnosis, he was on maintenance chemotherapy and in remission. LESSONS This case illustrates that prolonged lumbosacral pain may be a symptom of a life-threatening condition, rather than only attributable to chronic inflammation or disk herniations. Therefore, clinicians need to pay attention to subtle differences in the clinical presentation of patients with lumbosacral pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aifei Liu
- Blood Transfusion Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, PR China
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13
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Engle AM, Chen Y, Marascalchi B, Wilkinson I, Abrams WB, He C, Yao AL, Adekoya P, Cohen ZO, Cohen SP. Lumbosacral Radiculopathy: Inciting Events and Their Association with Epidural Steroid Injection Outcomes. PAIN MEDICINE 2019; 20:2360-2370. [DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnz097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
Low back pain is the leading cause of worldwide disability, with lumbosacral radiculopathy accounting for over one-third of these cases. There are limited data on the relationship between etiologies and lumbosacral radiculopathy, and it is unknown whether specific causes predict treatment outcomes.
Design, Setting, and Subjects
This study explores patient-reported etiologies for lumbosacral radiculopathy in a chronic pain clinic between January 2007 and December 2015 and examines whether these causes affected epidural steroid injection outcomes.
Methods
We reviewed the medical records of 1,242 patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy who received epidural steroid injections. The recording of an inciting event was done contemporaneously based on note templates. A positive outcome following an epidural steroid injection was defined as ≥30% pain relief sustained for six or more weeks without additional intervention. Factors associated with epidural steroid injection outcome were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression.
Results
Fifty point seven percent reported an inciting event, and 59.9% of patients experienced a positive epidural steroid injection outcome. The most commonly reported causes were falls (13.1%), motor vehicle collisions (10.7%), and lifting (7.8%). Individuals with a herniated disc (56.3%) were more likely to report a precipitating cause than those with stenosis (44.7%) or degenerative discs (47.8%, P = 0.012). An inciting event did not predict treatment outcome. Factors associated with negative treatment outcome included opioid consumption (odds ratio [OR] = 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.39–0.95, P = 0.027), secondary gain (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.50–0.96, P = 0.030), and baseline pain score (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.84–0.97, P = 0.006). The number of levels injected was associated with a positive outcome (OR = 2.72, 95% CI = 1.28–6.47, P = 0.008).
Conclusions
Reported inciting events are common in patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy but are not associated with outcome following epidural steroid injection, and their occurrence is not always consistent with the purported mechanism of injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yian Chen
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine
| | | | - Indy Wilkinson
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine
| | - Winfred B Abrams
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Cathy He
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ada Lyn Yao
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Division of Pain Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Peju Adekoya
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Steven Paul Cohen
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine
- Departments of Neurology and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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14
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Fernandez M, Moore C, Peng W, de Luca K, Pohlman KA, Swain M, Adams J. The profile of chiropractors managing patients with low back-related leg pain: analyses of 1907 chiropractors from the ACORN practice-based research network. Chiropr Man Therap 2019; 27:19. [PMID: 31015956 PMCID: PMC6469207 DOI: 10.1186/s12998-019-0239-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Approximately 60% of people with low back pain also have associated leg pain symptoms. Guidelines for low back pain recommend non-pharmacological approaches, including spinal manipulation - a therapy provided by chiropractors. However, limited empirical data has examined the characteristics of chiropractors managing patients with low back-related leg pain (LBRLP). Our objective is to describe the prevalence, profile and practice characteristics of Australian chiropractors who often treat LBRLP, compared to those who do not often treat LBRLP. Methods This is a cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative sample from the Australian Chiropractic Research Network (ACORN). This study investigated the demographic and practice characteristics as well as clinical management of chiropractors who ‘often’ treated patients with LBRLP compared to those who treated LBRLP ‘never/rarely/sometimes’. Multiple logistic regression models identified independent factors associated with chiropractors who ‘often’ treated patients with LBRLP. Results A total of 1907 chiropractors reported treating patients experiencing LBRLP, with 80.9% of them ‘often’ treating LBRLP. Chiropractors who ‘often’ treated LBRLP were more likely to manage patients with multi-site pain including axial low back pain (OR = 21.1), referred/radicular neck pain (OR = 10.8) and referred/radicular thoracic pain (OR = 3.1). While no specific management strategies were identified, chiropractors who ‘often’ treated LBRLP were more likely to discuss medication (OR = 1.8), manage migraine (OR = 1.7) and degenerative spine conditions (OR = 1.5), and treat women during pregnancy (OR = 1.6) and people with work-related injuries (OR = 1.5), compared to those not treating LBRLP frequently. Conclusions Australian chiropractors frequently manage LBRLP, although the nature of specific management approaches for this condition remains unclear. Further research on the management of LBRLP can better inform policy makers and educators interested in upskilling chiropractors to deliver safe and effective treatment of LBRLP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Fernandez
- 1Department of Chiropractic, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Level 3, Room 369, 17 Wally's Walk, Sydney, NSW Australia.,Chiropractic Academy for Research Leadership (CARL), Sydney, Australia
| | - Craig Moore
- Chiropractic Academy for Research Leadership (CARL), Sydney, Australia.,3Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Wenbo Peng
- 3Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Katie de Luca
- 1Department of Chiropractic, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Level 3, Room 369, 17 Wally's Walk, Sydney, NSW Australia.,Chiropractic Academy for Research Leadership (CARL), Sydney, Australia
| | - Katherine A Pohlman
- Chiropractic Academy for Research Leadership (CARL), Sydney, Australia.,4Research Institute, Parker University, Dallas, Texas USA
| | - Michael Swain
- 1Department of Chiropractic, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Level 3, Room 369, 17 Wally's Walk, Sydney, NSW Australia.,Chiropractic Academy for Research Leadership (CARL), Sydney, Australia
| | - Jon Adams
- 3Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
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15
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Delayed onset of persistent discogenic axial and radiating pain after a single-level lumbar intervertebral disc injury in mice. Pain 2018; 159:1843-1855. [DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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16
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Great trochanter bursitis vs sciatica, a diagnostic–anatomic trap: differential diagnosis and brief review of the literature. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2018; 27:1509-1516. [DOI: 10.1007/s00586-018-5486-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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17
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Kim S, Kim JH, Kim YL, Lee SM. Comparison of pain, disorder, back performance, and psychological factors in patients with low back pain and radicular pain. J Phys Ther Sci 2018; 30:127-131. [PMID: 29410582 PMCID: PMC5788791 DOI: 10.1589/jpts.30.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
[Purpose] This study investigated the relationship between pain intensity, lumber
disability, and psychological factors in patients with low back pain. [Subjects and
Methods] A total of 166 outpatients (116 female, 50 male) with chronic low back pain
presenting for physical therapy participated in this study. Patients were divided into two
groups: those with low back pain alone and those with both low back pain and radicular
pain. Pain intensity and lumbar disability were measured using a visual analogue scale and
the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire. Psychological factors, such as
self-efficiency, fear avoidance, and depression were measured using the Chronic Pain
Self-efficacy Scale, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, and Beck Depression Index,
respectively. [Results] Patients with low back pain with radicular pain had greater pain
and lumber disability and lower psychological factors compared with patients with chronic
low back pain alone. [Conclusion] Our findings indicate the presence of low back pain with
radicular pain is more related to pain, LBP disability index, Back performance,
Self-efficiency (Pain, Function, Symptom), Fear-avoidance (body, work) and depression
factors than low back pain. Considering the relationships between in pain, LBP disability
index, Back performance, Self-efficiency (Pain, Function, Symptom), Fear-avoidance (body,
work) and depression factors in patients with low back pain, therapeutic intervention for
not only pain and dysfunction, but also psychological factors is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seunghwan Kim
- Department of Physical Therapy, Sahmyook University: 26-21 Gongneung 2-dong, Nowon-gu, Seoul 139-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hyun Kim
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Welfare, Woosong University, Republic of Korea
| | - You Lim Kim
- Department of Physical Therapy, Sahmyook University: 26-21 Gongneung 2-dong, Nowon-gu, Seoul 139-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk Min Lee
- Department of Physical Therapy, Sahmyook University: 26-21 Gongneung 2-dong, Nowon-gu, Seoul 139-742, Republic of Korea
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Sinnott PL, Dally SK, Trafton J, Goulet JL, Wagner TH. Trends in diagnosis of painful neck and back conditions, 2002 to 2011. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e6691. [PMID: 28514286 PMCID: PMC5440123 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000006691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neck and back pain are pervasive problems. Some have suggested that rising incidence may be associated with the evidence of rising prevalence.To describe the trends in diagnosis of painful neck and back conditions in a large national healthcare system.A retrospective observational cohort study to describe the incidence and prevalence of diagnosis of neck and back pain in a national cohort.Patients were identified by International Classification of Diseases, 9 Revision (ICD-9) codes in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national utilization datasets in calendar years 2002 to 2011.Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Prevalent cases were compared with all veterans who sought health care in each year. Incident cases were identified following a 2 years clean period in which the patient was enrolled and received care, but not services for any back or neck pain conditions.From 2004 to 2011, 3% to 4% of the population was diagnosed with incident back pain problems, the rate increasing on average, 1.75% per year. During the same period, 12.3% to 16.2% of the population was diagnosed with a prevalent back pain problem, the rate increasing on average 4.09% per year.In a national population, the prevalence rate for diagnosis of neck and back pain grew 1.8 to 2.3 times faster than the incidence rate. This suggests that the average duration of episodes of care is increasing. Additional research is needed to understand the influences on the differential rate of change and to develop efficient and effective care systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jodie Trafton
- Center for Innovation to Implementation and Program Evaluation and Resource Center
| | - Joseph L. Goulet
- The Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities and Education Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Todd H. Wagner
- Health Economics Resource Center (HERC) and Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, Menlo Park, California
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A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing the Effectiveness of Electroacupuncture versus Medium-Frequency Electrotherapy for Discogenic Sciatica. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 2017:9502718. [PMID: 28491116 PMCID: PMC5405380 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9502718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Objective. To investigate the short- and long-term effects of electroacupuncture (EA) compared with medium-frequency electrotherapy (MFE) on chronic discogenic sciatica. Methods. One hundred participants were randomized into two groups to receive EA (n = 50) or MFE (n = 50) for 4 weeks. A 28-week follow-up of the two groups was performed. The primary outcome measure was the average leg pain intensity. The secondary outcome measures were the low back pain intensity, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), patient global impression (PGI), drug use frequency, and EA acceptance. Results. The mean changes in the average leg pain numerical rating scale (NRS) scores were 2.30 (1.86-2.57) and 1.06 (0.62-1.51) in the EA and MFE groups at week 4, respectively. The difference was significant (P < 0.001). The long-term follow-up resulted in significant differences. The average leg pain NRS scores decreased by 2.12 (1.70-2.53) and 0.36 (-0.05-0.78) from baseline in the EA and MFE groups, respectively, at week 28. However, low back pain intensity and PGI did not differ significantly at week 4. No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusions. EA showed greater short-term and long-term benefits for chronic discogenic sciatica than MFE, and the effect of EA was superior to that of MFE. The study findings warrant verification. This trial was registered under identifier ChiCTR-IPR-15006370.
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20
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Hartvigsen L, Hestbaek L, Lebouef-Yde C, Vach W, Kongsted A. Leg pain location and neurological signs relate to outcomes in primary care patients with low back pain. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2017; 18:133. [PMID: 28359275 PMCID: PMC5374567 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-017-1495-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Low back pain (LBP) patients with related leg pain and signs of nerve root involvement are considered to have a worse prognosis than patients with LBP alone. However, it is unclear whether leg pain location above or below the knee and the presence of neurological signs are important in primary care patients. The objectives of this study were to explore whether the four Quebec Task Force categories (QTFC) based on the location of pain and on neurological signs have different characteristics at the time of care seeking, whether these QTFC are associated with outcome, and if so whether there is an obvious ranking of the four QTFC on the severity of outcomes. Method Adult patients seeking care for LBP in chiropractic or general practice were classified into the four QTFC based on self-reported information and clinical findings. Analyses were performed to test the associations between the QTFC and baseline characteristics as well as the outcomes global perceived effect and activity limitation after 2 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year and also 1-year trajectories of LBP intensity. Results The study comprised 1271 patients; 947 from chiropractic practice and 324 from general practice. The QTFC at presentation were statistically significantly associated with most of the baseline characteristics, with activity limitation at all follow-up time points, with global perceived effect at 2 weeks but not 3 months and 1 year, and with trajectories of LBP. Severity of outcomes in the QTFC increased from LBP alone, across LBP with leg pain above the knee and below the knee to LBP with nerve root involvement. However, the variation within the categories was considerable. Conclusion The QTFC identify different LBP subgroups at baseline and there is a consistent ranking of the four categories with respect to outcomes. The differences between outcomes appear to be large enough for the QTFC to be useful for clinicians in the communication with patients. However, due to variation of outcomes within each category individuals’ outcome cannot be precisely predicted from the QTFC alone. It warrants further investigation to find out if the QTFC can improve existing prediction tools and guide treatment decisions. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12891-017-1495-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisbeth Hartvigsen
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Lise Hestbaek
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Nordic Institute of Chiropractic and Clinical Biomechanics, Odense, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Lebouef-Yde
- Research Department, Spine Center of Southern Denmark, Hospital Lillebælt, Middelfart, Denmark.,Institute for Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Werner Vach
- Institute for Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alice Kongsted
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Nordic Institute of Chiropractic and Clinical Biomechanics, Odense, Denmark
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21
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Haugen AJ, Grøvle L, Brox JI, Natvig B, Grotle M. Pain-related fear and functional recovery in sciatica: results from a 2-year observational study. J Pain Res 2016; 9:925-931. [PMID: 27826215 PMCID: PMC5096769 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s115003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to explore the associations between pain-related fear, pain disability, and self-perceived recovery among patients with sciatica and disk herniation followed up for 2 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS Pain-related fear was measured by the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) and the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire-Physical Activity (FABQ-PA) subscale. Disability was measured by the Maine-Seattle Back Questionnaire. At 2 years, patients reported their sciatica/back problem on a global change scale ranging from completely gone to much worse. No specific interventions regarding pain-related fear were provided. RESULTS Complete data were obtained for 372 patients. During follow-up, most patients improved. In those who at 2 years were fully recovered (n=66), pain-related fear decreased substantially. In those who did not improve (n=50), pain-related fear remained high. Baseline levels of pain-related fear did not differ significantly between those who were fully recovered and the rest of the cohort. In the total cohort, the correlation coefficients between the 0-2-year change in disability and the changes in the TSK and the FABQ-PA were 0.33 and 0.38, respectively. In the adjusted regression models, the 0-2-year change in pain-related disability explained 15% of the variance in the change in both questionnaires. CONCLUSION Pain-related fear decreased substantially in patients who recovered from sciatica and remained high in those who did not improve. Generally, the TSK and the FABQ-PA yielded similar results. To our knowledge, this is the first study that has assessed pain-related fear in patients who recover from sciatica.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Haugen
- Department of Rheumatology, Østfold Hospital Trust, Grålum
| | - L Grøvle
- Department of Rheumatology, Østfold Hospital Trust, Grålum
| | - J I Brox
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Division for Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital
| | - B Natvig
- Department of General Practice, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo
| | - M Grotle
- FORMI (Communication Unit for Musculoskeletal Disorders), Division of Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Lin CWC, Li Q, Williams CM, Maher CG, Day RO, Hancock MJ, Latimer J, Mclachlan AJ, Jan S. The economic burden of guideline-recommended first line care for acute low back pain. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2016; 27:109-116. [PMID: 27652679 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-016-4781-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report health care costs and the factors associated with such costs in people with acute low back pain receiving guideline-recommended first line care. METHODS This is a secondary analysis of a trial which found no difference in clinical outcomes. Participants with acute low back pain received reassurance and advice, and either paracetamol (taken regularly or as needed) or placebo for up to 4 weeks and followed up for 12 weeks. Data on health service utilisation were collected by self-report. A health sector perspective was adopted to report all direct costs incurred (in 2015 AUD, 1 AUD = 0.53 Euro). Costs were reported for the entire study cohort and for each group. Various baseline clinical, demographic, work-related and socioeconomic factors were investigated for their association with increased costs using generalised linear models. RESULTS The mean cost per participant was AUD167.74 (SD = 427.24) for the entire cohort (n = 1365). Most of these costs were incurred in primary care through visits to a general practitioner or physiotherapist. Compared to the placebo group, there was an increase in cost when paracetamol was taken. Multivariate analysis showed that disability, symptom duration and compensation were associated with costs. Receiving compensation was associated with a twofold increase compared to not receiving compensation. CONCLUSIONS Taking paracetamol as part of first line care for acute low back pain increased the economic burden. Higher disability, longer symptom duration and receiving compensation were independently associated with increased health care costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Wei Christine Lin
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Qiang Li
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher M Williams
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher G Maher
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard O Day
- St Vincent's Hospital Clinical School and Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark J Hancock
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane Latimer
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew J Mclachlan
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen Jan
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Ko S, Kim S, Kim J, Oh T. The Effectiveness of Oral Corticosteroids for Management of Lumbar Radiating Pain: Randomized, Controlled Trial Study. Clin Orthop Surg 2016; 8:262-7. [PMID: 27583108 PMCID: PMC4987309 DOI: 10.4055/cios.2016.8.3.262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although both pregabalin and gabapentin are known to be useful for treating lumbar radiating pain and reducing the incidence of surgery, the oral corticosteroids sometimes offer a dramatic effect on severe radiating pain despite the lack of scientific evidence. METHODS A total of 54 patients were enrolled among 703 patients who complained of lumbar radiating pain. Twenty patients who received an oral corticosteroid was classified as group A and 20 patients who received the control drugs (pregabalin or gabapentin) as group B. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Revised Roland Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ), Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire, lumbar radiating pain, objective patient satisfaction, and objective improvement of patients or physicians were assessed at 2, 6, and 12 weeks after medication. RESULTS No difference in the sex ratio and age was observed between the groups (p = 0.70 and p = 0.13, respectively). Group A showed greater improvement in radiating pain after 2, 6, and 12 weeks than group B (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). No differences were observed between the groups in satisfaction at the beginning and 12 weeks after taking the medication (p = 0.062 and p = 0.061, respectively) and in objective improvement of patients and physicians (p = 0.657 and p = 0.748, respectively). Group A was less disabled and had greater physical health scores than group B (p = 0.014 and p = 0.017, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Oral corticosteroids for the treatment of lumbar radiating pain can be more effective in pain relief than gabapentin or pregabalin. The satisfaction of patients and physicians with the drug and objective improvement status were not inferior to that with gabapentin or pregabalin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangbong Ko
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Daegu Catholic University Medical Center, Daegu, Korea
| | - Sungguk Kim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Daegu Catholic University Medical Center, Daegu, Korea
| | - Jaejung Kim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Daegu Catholic University Medical Center, Daegu, Korea
| | - Taebum Oh
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Daegu Catholic University Medical Center, Daegu, Korea
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Machado GC, Witzleb AJ, Fritsch C, Maher CG, Ferreira PH, Ferreira ML. Patients with sciatica still experience pain and disability 5 years after surgery: A systematic review with meta-analysis of cohort studies. Eur J Pain 2016; 20:1700-1709. [PMID: 27172245 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The clinical course of patients with sciatica is believed to be favourable, but there is conflicting evidence on the postoperative course of this condition. We aimed to investigate the clinical course of sciatica following surgery. DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT An electronic search was conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL from inception to April 2015. We screened for prospective cohort studies investigating pain or disability outcomes for patients with sciatica treated surgically. Fractional polynomial regression analysis was used to generate pooled means and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of pain and disability up to 5 years after surgery. Estimates of pain and disability (converted to a 0-100 scale) were plotted over time, from inception to last available follow-up time. RESULTS Forty records (39 cohort studies) were included with a total of 13,883 patients with sciatica. Before surgery, the pooled mean leg pain score was 75.2 (95% CI 68.1-82.4) which reduced to 15.3 (95% CI 8.5-22.1) at 3 months. Patients were never fully recovered in the long-term and pain increased to 21.0 (95% CI 12.5-29.5) at 5 years. The pooled mean disability score before surgery was 55.1 (95% CI 52.3-58.0) and this decreased to 15.5 (95% CI 13.3-17.6) at 3 months, and further reduced to 13.1 (95% CI 10.6-15.5) at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS Although surgery is followed by a rapid decrease in pain and disability by 3 months, patients still experience mild to moderate pain and disability 5 years after surgery. WHAT DOES THIS REVIEW ADD?: This review provides a quantitative summary of the postoperative course of patients with sciatica. Patients with sciatica experienced a rapid reduction in pain and disability in the first 3 months, but still had mild to moderate symptoms 5 years after surgery. Although no significant differences were found, microdiscectomy showed larger improvements compared to other surgical techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- G C Machado
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - A J Witzleb
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - C Fritsch
- Department of Physiotherapy, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - C G Maher
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - P H Ferreira
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - M L Ferreira
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Institute of Bone and Joint Research, The Kolling Institute, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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The Effectiveness of Mechanical Traction Among Subgroups of Patients With Low Back Pain and Leg Pain: A Randomized Trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016; 46:144-54. [PMID: 26813755 DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2016.6238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Randomized clinical trial. Background The recommended initial management strategy for patients with low back pain and signs of nerve root compression is conservative treatment, but there is little evidence to guide the most appropriate management strategy. Preliminary research suggests that a treatment protocol of mechanical traction and extension-oriented exercises may be effective, particularly in a specific subgroup of patients. OBJECTIVE To examine the effectiveness of mechanical traction in patients with lumbar nerve root compression and within a predefined subgroup. METHODS One hundred twenty patients with low back pain with nerve root compression were recruited from physical therapy clinics. Using predefined subgrouping criteria, patients were stratified at baseline and randomized to receive an extension-oriented treatment approach with or without the addition of mechanical traction. During a 6-week period, patients received up to 12 treatment visits. Primary outcomes of pain and disability were collected at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year by assessors blinded to group allocation. Outcomes were examined using linear mixed-model analyses examining change over time by treatment and the interaction between treatment and subgrouping status. RESULTS The mean ± SD age of participants was 41.1 ± 11.3 years, median duration of symptoms was 62 days, and 57% were male. No significant differences in disability or pain outcomes were noted between treatment groups at any time point, nor was any interaction found between subgroup status and treatment. CONCLUSION Patients with lumbar nerve root compression presenting for physical therapy can expect significant changes in disability and pain over a 6-week treatment period. There is no evidence that mechanical lumbar traction in combination with an extension-oriented treatment is superior to extension-oriented exercises alone in the management of these patients or within a predefined subgroup of patients. The study protocol was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00942227). Level of Evidence Therapy, level 2b.
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Konstantinou K, Dunn KM, Ogollah R, Vogel S, Hay EM. Characteristics of patients with low back and leg pain seeking treatment in primary care: baseline results from the ATLAS cohort study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2015; 16:332. [PMID: 26537894 PMCID: PMC4634730 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-015-0787-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with back pain radiating to the leg(s) report worse symptoms and poorer recovery than those with back pain alone. Robust evidence regarding their epidemiological profile is lacking from primary care, the setting where most of these patients will present and be managed. Our objective was to describe the characteristics of patients with back and leg pain, including sciatica, seeking treatment in primary care. Methods Adults visiting their general practitioner with back and leg pain, of any duration and severity, were invited to participate. Participants completed questionnaires, underwent clinical assessments and received MRI scans. Characteristics of the sample are described, and differences between patients diagnosed with referred leg pain and those with sciatica are analysed. Results Six hundred nine patients participated; 62.6 % were female, mean (SD) age 50.2 (13.9). 67.5 % reported pain below the knee, 60.7 % were in paid employment with 39.7 % reporting time off work. Mean disability (RMDQ) was 12.7 (5.7) and mean pain intensity was 5.6 (2.2) and 5.2 (2.4) for back and leg respectively. Mean sciatica bothersomeness index (SBI) was 14.9 (5.1). Three quarters (74.2 %) were clinically diagnosed as having sciatica. In the sciatica group, leg pain intensity, neuropathic pain, pain below the knee, leg pain worse than back pain, SBI and positive MRI findings were significantly higher as compared to patients with referred leg pain. Conclusions This primary care cohort reported high levels of disability and pain. This is the first epidemiological study of unselected primary care patients seeking healthcare for back and leg pain. Follow-up of this cohort will investigate the prognostic value of their baseline characteristics. This new information will contribute to our understanding of the characteristics and clinical features of this population, and will underpin future research aimed at defining prognostic subgroups to enable better targeting of health care provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kika Konstantinou
- Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre, Research Institute for Primary Care & Health Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK.
| | - Kate M Dunn
- Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre, Research Institute for Primary Care & Health Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK
| | - Reuben Ogollah
- Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre, Research Institute for Primary Care & Health Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK
| | | | - Elaine M Hay
- Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre, Research Institute for Primary Care & Health Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK
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Manchikanti L, Benyamin RM, Falco FJE, Kaye AD, Hirsch JA. Do Epidural Injections Provide Short- and Long-term Relief for Lumbar Disc Herniation? A Systematic Review. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2015; 473:1940-56. [PMID: 24515404 PMCID: PMC4419020 DOI: 10.1007/s11999-014-3490-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As part of a comprehensive nonsurgical approach, epidural injections often are used in the management of lumbar disc herniation. Recent guidelines and systematic reviews have reached different conclusions about the efficacy of epidural injections in managing lumbar disc herniation. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES In this systematic review, we determined the efficacy (pain relief and functional improvement) of the three anatomic approaches (caudal, lumbar interlaminar, and transforaminal) for epidural injections in the treatment of disc herniation. METHODS We performed a literature search from 1966 to June 2013 in PubMed, Cochrane library, US National Guideline Clearinghouse, previous systematic reviews, and cross-references for trials studying all types of epidural injections in managing chronic or chronic and subacute lumbar disc herniation. We wanted only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (either placebo or active controlled) to be included in our analysis, and 66 studies found in our search fulfilled these criteria. We then assessed the methodologic quality of these 66 studies using the Cochrane review criteria for RCTs. Thirty-nine studies were excluded, leaving 23 RCTs of high and moderate methodologic quality for analysis. Evidence for the efficacy of all three approaches for epidural injection under fluoroscopy was strong for short-term (< 6 months) and moderate for long-term (≥ 6 months) based on the Cochrane rating system with five levels of evidence (best evidence synthesis), with strong evidence denoting consistent findings among multiple high-quality RCTs and moderate evidence denoting consistent findings among multiple low-quality RCTs or one high-quality RCT. The primary outcome measure was pain relief, defined as at least 50% improvement in pain or 3-point improvement in pain scores in at least 50% of the patients. The secondary outcome measure was functional improvement, defined as 50% reduction in disability or 30% reduction in the disability scores. RESULTS Based on strong evidence for short-term efficacy from multiple high-quality trials and moderate evidence for long-term efficacy from at least one high quality trial, we found that fluoroscopic caudal, lumbar interlaminar, and transforaminal epidural injections were efficacious at managing lumbar disc herniation in terms of pain relief and functional improvement. CONCLUSIONS The available evidence suggests that epidural injections performed under fluoroscopy by trained physicians offer improvement in pain and function in well-selected patients with lumbar disc herniation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laxmaiah Manchikanti
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA,
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28
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Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional design. OBJECTIVE To explore (1) the factor structure of the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), (2) whether there is a dominant factor, and (3) whether the potential factors are unique predictors of other aspects related to back pain. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA The RMDQ is one of the most recommended back-specific questionnaires assessing disability. The RMDQ is scored as a unidimensional scale summarizing answers to all 24 questions (Yes/No) regarding daily life functioning. However, there are indications that the scale is multidimensional. METHODS Patients (n = 457; age, 18-60 yr) with 8 to 12 weeks of back pain filled in questionnaires assessing subjective health complaints, emotional distress, instrumental and emotion-focused coping, and fear voidance behavior at baseline. A total of 371 patients (81.7%) filled in the RMDQ. Exploratory factor analysis was used to examine the factor structure of RMDQ items. Multiple regression analyses were used to assess whether the derived factors predicted relevant problems in back pain differently. RESULTS Exploratory factor analysis showed indices of model fit for a 3-factor solution after removing 2 items because of low prevalence (19 and 24). Two items were removed because of cross-loadings and low loadings (2 and 22). No support for a dominant factor was found as the 3 factors were only moderately correlated (r = 0.34-0.40), and the ratio between the first and second eigenvalue was 2.6, not supporting essential unidimensionality. "Symptoms" were the factor that most strongly predicted subjective health complaints, whereas "avoidance of activity and participation" predicted fear avoidance behavior, instrumental and emotional coping. "Limitation in daily activities" did not predict any of these variables. CONCLUSION The main findings of our study are that the RMDQ consists of 3 independent factors, and not 1 dominant factor as suggested previously. We think the time is now ripe to start treating and scoring the RMDQ as a multidimensional scale. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE N/A.
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Iversen T, Solberg TK, Wilsgaard T, Waterloo K, Brox JI, Ingebrigtsen T. Outcome prediction in chronic unilateral lumbar radiculopathy: prospective cohort study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2015; 16:17. [PMID: 25887469 PMCID: PMC4326298 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-015-0474-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Identification of prognostic factors for persistent pain and disability are important for better understanding of the clinical course of chronic unilateral lumbar radiculopathy and to assist clinical decision-making. There is a lack of scientific evidence concerning prognostic factors. The aim of this study was to identify clinically relevant predictors for outcome at 52 weeks. Methods 116 patients were included in a sham controlled clinical trial on epidural injection of glucocorticoids in patients with chronic unilateral lumbar radiculopathy. Success at follow-up was ≤17.5 for visual analogue scale (VAS) leg pain, ≤22.5 for VAS back pain and ≤20 for Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Fifteen clinically relevant variables included demographic, psychosocial, clinical and radiological data and were analysed using a logistic multivariable regression analysis. Results At follow-up, 75 (64.7%) patients had reached a successful outcome with an ODI score ≤20, 54 (46.6%) with a VAS leg pain score ≤17.5, and 47 (40.5%) with a VAS back pain score ≤22.5. Lower age (OR 0.94 (CI 0.89–0.99) for each year decrease in age) and FABQ Work ≥34 (OR 0.16 (CI 0.04-0.61)) were independent variables predicting a successful outcome on the ODI. Higher education (OR 5.77 (CI 1.46–22.87)) and working full-time (OR 2.70 (CI 1.02–7.18)) were statistically significant (P <0.05) independent predictors for successful outcome (VAS score ≤17.5) on the measure of leg pain. Lower age predicted success on ODI (OR 0.94 (95% CI 0.89 to 0.99) for each year) and less back pain (OR 0.94 (0.90 to 0.99)), while higher education (OR 5.77 (1.46 to 22.87)), working full-time (OR 2.70 (1.02 to 7.18)) and muscle weakness at baseline (OR 4.11 (1.24 to 13.61) predicted less leg pain, and reflex impairment at baseline predicted the contrary (OR 0.39 (0.15 to 0.97)). Conclusions Lower age, higher education, working full-time and low fear avoidance beliefs each predict a better outcome of chronic unilateral lumbar radiculopathy. Specifically, lower age and low fear avoidance predict a better functional outcome and less back pain, while higher education and working full-time predict less leg pain. These results should be validated in further studies before being used to inform patients. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN12574253. Registered 18 May 2005.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trond Iversen
- Bindal Legekontor, Terråk, Norway. .,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Tore K Solberg
- Department of Ophthalmology and Neurosurgery, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway. .,The Norwegian Registry for Spine Surgery (NORspine), North Norway Regional Health Authority, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Tom Wilsgaard
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Artic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Knut Waterloo
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway. .,Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Artic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Jens Ivar Brox
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Tor Ingebrigtsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Artic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
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Abstract
We need to overcome limitations of present assessment and also integrate newer research in our work about sciatica. Inflammation induces changes in the DRG and nerve root. It sensitizes the axons. Nociceptor is a unique axon. It is pseudo unipolar: both its ends, central and peripheral, behave in similar fashion. The nerve in periphery which carries these axons may selectively become sensitive to mechanical pressure--"mechanosensitized," as we coin the phrase. Many pain questionnaires are used and are effective in identifying neuropathic pain solely on basis of descriptors but they do not directly physically correlate nerve root and pain. A thorough neurological evaluation is always needed. Physical examination is not direct pain assessment but testing mobility of nerve root and its effect on pain generation. There is a dogmatic dominance of dermatomes in assessment of leg pain. They are unreliable. Images may not correlate with symptoms and pathology in about 28% of cases. Electrophysiology may be normal in purely inflamed nerve root. Palpation may help in such inflammatory setting to refine our assessment further. Confirmation of sciatica is done by selective nerve root block (SNRB) today but it is fraught with several complications and needs elaborate inpatient and operating room set up. We have used the unique property of the pseudo unipolar axon that both its ends have similar functional properties and so inject along its peripheral end sodium channel blockers to block the basic cause of the mechanosensitization namely upregulated sodium channels in the root or DRG. Thus using palpation we may be able to detect symptomatic nerve in stage of inflammation and with distal end injection, along same inflamed nerve we may be able to abolish and so confirm sciatica. Discussions of sciatica pain diagnosis tend to immediately shift and centre on the affected disc rather than the nerve. Theoretically it may be possible to detect the affected nerve by palpating the nerve and relieve pain moment we desensitize the nerve.
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Savage NJ, Fritz JM, Kircher JC, Thackeray A. The prognostic value of electrodiagnostic testing in patients with sciatica receiving physical therapy. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2014; 24:434-43. [PMID: 25047652 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-014-3469-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Revised: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the prognostic value of electrodiagnostic testing in patients with sciatica receiving physical therapy. METHODS Electrodiagnostic testing was performed on 38 patients with sciatica participating in a randomized trial comparing different physical therapy interventions. Patients were grouped and analyzed according to the presence or absence of radiculopathy based on electrodiagnostic testing. Longitudinal data analysis was conducted using multilevel growth modeling with ten waves of data collected from baseline through the treatment and post-treatment periods up to 6 months. The primary outcome measure was changes in low back pain-related disability assessed using the Roland and Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ). RESULTS Patients with radiculopathy (n = 19) had statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in RMDQ scores at every post-treatment follow-up occasion regardless of treatment received. The final multilevel growth model revealed improvements in RMDQ scores in patients with radiculopathy at the 6-week (-8.1, 95 % CI -12.6 to -2.6; P = 0.006) and 6-month (-4.1, 95 % CI -7.4 to -0.7; P = 0.020) follow-up occasions compared to patients without radiculopathy. Treatment group was not a significant predictive factor at any follow-up occasion. An interaction between electrodiagnostic status and time revealed faster weekly improvements in RMDQ scores in patients with radiculopathy at the 6-week (-0.72, 95 % CI -1.4 to -0.04; P = 0.040) through the 16-week (-0.30, 95 % CI, -0.57 to -0.04; P = 0.028) follow-up occasions compared to patients without radiculopathy. CONCLUSIONS The presence of lumbosacral radiculopathy identified with electrodiagnostic testing is a favorable prognostic factor for recovery in low back pain-related disability regardless of physical therapy treatment received.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J Savage
- Total Rehab, Inc., 5957 South Fashion Point Drive, Suite 102, South Ogden, UT, 84403, USA,
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Hider SL, Whitehurst DGT, Thomas E, Foster NE. Pain location matters: the impact of leg pain on health care use, work disability and quality of life in patients with low back pain. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2014; 24:444-51. [DOI: 10.1007/s00586-014-3355-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2013] [Revised: 04/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Grøvle L, Haugen AJ, Keller A, Ntvig B, Brox JI, Grotle M. Prognostic factors for return to work in patients with sciatica. Spine J 2013; 13:1849-57. [PMID: 24060231 DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2013.07.433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2011] [Revised: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT Little is known about the prognostic factors for work-related outcomes of sciatica caused by disc herniation. PURPOSE To identify the prognostic factors for return to work (RTW) during a 2-year follow-up among sciatica patients referred to secondary care. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Multicenter prospective cohort study including 466 patients. Administrative data from the National Sickness Benefit Register were accessed for 227 patients. PATIENT SAMPLE Two samples were used. Sample A comprised patients who at the time of inclusion in the cohort reported being on partial sick leave or complete sick leave or were undergoing rehabilitation because of back pain/sciatica. Sample B comprised patients who, according to the sickness benefit register, at the time of inclusion received sickness benefits or rehabilitation allowances because of back pain/sciatica. OUTCOME MEASURES In Sample A, the outcome was self-reported return to full-time work at the 2-year follow-up. In Sample B, the outcome was time to first sustained RTW, defined as the first period of more than 60 days without receiving benefits from the register. METHODS Significant baseline predictors of self-reported RTW at 2 years (Analysis A) were identified by multivariate logistic regression. Significant predictors of time to sustained RTW (Analysis B) were identified by multivariate Cox proportional hazard modeling. Both analyses included adjustment for age and sex. To assess the effect of surgery on the probability of RTW, analyses similar to A and B were performed, including the variable surgery (yes/no). RESULTS One-fourth of the patients were still out of work at the 2-year follow-up. In Sample A (n=237), younger age, better general health, lower baseline sciatica bothersomeness, less fear-avoidance work, and a negative straight-leg-raising test result were significantly associated with a higher probability of RTW at the 2-year follow-up. Surgery was not significantly associated with the outcome. In Sample B (n=125), history of sciatica, duration of the current sciatica episode more than 3 months, greater sciatica bothersomeness, fear-avoidance work, and back pain were significantly associated with a longer time to sustained RTW. Surgery was significantly negatively associated with time to sustained RTW both in univariate (hazard ratio [HR] 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39, 0.93; p=.02) and in multivariate (HR 0.49; 95% CI 0.31, 0.79; p=.003) analyses. CONCLUSIONS The baseline factors associated with RTW identified in multivariate analysis were age, general health, history of sciatica, duration of the current episode, baseline sciatica bothersomeness, fear-avoidance work, back pain, and the straight-leg-raising test result. Surgical treatment was associated with slower RTW, but surgical patients were more severely affected than patients treated without surgery; so, this finding should be interpreted with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Grøvle
- Department of Rheumatology, Østfold Hospital Trust, Postboks 16, 1603 Fredrikstad, Norway.
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Mathieson S, Maher CG, McLachlan AJ, Latimer J, Koes BW, Hancock MJ, Harris I, Day RO, Pik J, Jan S, Billot L, Lin CWC. PRECISE - pregabalin in addition to usual care for sciatica: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials 2013; 14:213. [PMID: 23845078 PMCID: PMC3711833 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6215-14-213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sciatica is a type of neuropathic pain that is characterised by pain radiating into the leg. It is often accompanied by low back pain and neurological deficits in the lower limb. While this condition may cause significant suffering for the individual, the lack of evidence supporting effective treatments for sciatica makes clinical management difficult. Our objectives are to determine the efficacy of pregabalin on reducing leg pain intensity and its cost-effectiveness in patients with sciatica. Methods/Design PRECISE is a prospectively registered, double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial of pregabalin compared to placebo, in addition to usual care. Inclusion criteria include moderate to severe leg pain below the knee with evidence of nerve root/spinal nerve involvement. Participants will be randomised to receive either pregabalin with usual care (n = 102) or placebo with usual care (n = 102) for 8 weeks. The medicine dosage will be titrated up to the participant’s optimal dose, to a maximum 600 mg per day. Follow up consultations will monitor individual progress, tolerability and adverse events. Usual care, if deemed appropriate by the study doctor, may include a referral for physical or manual therapy and/or prescription of analgesic medication. Participants, doctors and researchers collecting participant data will be blinded to treatment allocation. Participants will be assessed at baseline and at weeks 2, 4, 8, 12, 26 and 52. The primary outcome will determine the efficacy of pregabalin in reducing leg pain intensity. Secondary outcomes will include back pain intensity, disability and quality of life. Data analysis will be blinded and by intention-to-treat. A parallel economic evaluation will be conducted from health sector and societal perspectives. Discussion This study will establish the efficacy of pregabalin in reducing leg pain intensity in patients with sciatica and provide important information regarding the effect of pregabalin treatment on disability and quality of life. The impact of this research may allow the future development of a cost-effective conservative treatment strategy for patients with sciatica. Trial registration ClinicalTrial.gov, ACTRN 12613000530729
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Mathieson
- The George Institute for Global Health and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, PO Box M201, Missenden Rd, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia.
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Grøvle L, Haugen AJ, Natvig B, Brox JI, Grotle M. The prognosis of self-reported paresthesia and weakness in disc-related sciatica. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2013; 22:2488-95. [PMID: 23771579 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-013-2871-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Revised: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 06/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore how patients with sciatica rate the 'bothersomeness' of paresthesia (tingling and numbness) and weakness as compared with leg pain during 2 years of follow-up. METHODS Observational cohort study including 380 patients with sciatica and lumbar disc herniation referred to secondary care. Using the Sciatica Bothersomeness Index paresthesia, weakness and leg pain were rated on a scale from 0 to 6. A symptom score of 4-6 was defined as bothersome. RESULTS Along with leg pain, the bothersomeness of paresthesia and weakness both improved during follow-up. Those who received surgery (n = 121) reported larger improvements in both symptoms than did those who were treated without surgery. At 2 years, 18.2% of the patients reported bothersome paresthesia, 16.6% reported bothersome leg pain, and 11.5% reported bothersome weakness. Among patients with no or little leg pain, 6.7% reported bothersome paresthesia and 5.1% bothersome weakness. CONCLUSION During 2 years of follow-up, patients considered paresthesia more bothersome than weakness. At 2 years, the percentage of patients who reported bothersome paresthesia was similar to the percentage who reported bothersome leg pain. Based on patients' self-report, paresthesia and weakness are relevant aspects of disc-related sciatica.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Grøvle
- Department of Rheumatology, Sykehuset Østfold Hospital Trust, 1603, Fredrikstad, Norway,
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Prognostic implications of the Quebec Task Force classification of back-related leg pain: an analysis of longitudinal routine clinical data. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2013; 14:171. [PMID: 23705775 PMCID: PMC3679944 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-14-171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 05/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low back pain (LBP) patients with related leg pain have a more severe profile than those with local LBP and a worse prognosis. Pain location above or below the knee and the presence of neurological signs differentiate patients with different profiles, but knowledge about the prognostic value of these subgroups is sparse. The objectives of this study were (1) to investigate whether subgroups consisting of patients with Local LBP only, LBP + leg pain above the knee, LBP + leg pain below the knee, and LBP + leg pain and neurological signs had different prognoses, and (2) to determine if this was explained by measured baseline factors. METHODS Routine clinical data were collected during the first visit to an outpatient department and follow-ups were performed after 3 and 12 months. Patients were divided into the four subgroups and associations between subgroups and the outcomes of activity limitation, global perceived effect (GPE) after 3 months, and sick leave after 3 months were tested by means of generalised estimating equations. Models were univariate (I), adjusted for duration (II), and adjusted for all baseline differences (III). RESULTS A total of 1,752 patients were included, with a 76% 3-month and 70% 12-month follow-up. Subgroups were associated with activity limitation in all models (p < 0.001). Local LBP had the least and LBP + neurological signs the most severe limitations at all time-points, although patients with neurological signs improved the most. Associations with GPE after 3 months were only significant in Model I. Subgroups were associated with sick leave after 3 months in model I and II, with sick leave being most frequent in the subgroup with neurological signs. No significant differences were found in any pairwise comparisons of patients with leg pain above or below the knee. CONCLUSIONS Subgrouping LBP patients, based on pain location and neurological signs, was associated with activity limitation and sick leave, but not with GPE. The presence of neurological signs and pain in the leg both have prognostic implications but whether that leg pain without neurological signs is above or below the knee does not.
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Williams C, Hancock MJ, Ferreira M, Ferreira P, Maher CG. A literature review reveals that trials evaluating treatment of non-specific low back pain use inconsistent criteria to identify serious pathologies and nerve root involvement. J Man Manip Ther 2013; 20:59-65. [PMID: 23633884 DOI: 10.1179/2042618611y.0000000025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The broad aim of this study was to assess the homogeneity of patients included in trials of non-specific low back pain (NSLBP). To do this, we investigated the consistency and clarity of criteria used to identify and exclude participants with serious pathologies and nerve root compromise in randomized controlled trials, investigating interventions for NSLBP. METHODS We searched Medline database for randomized controlled trials of low back pain (LBP). published between 2000 and 2009. We then randomly selected and screened trials for inclusion until we had 50 eligible trials. Data were extracted on the criteria used to identify cases of serious conditions (e.g. cancer, fracture) and nerve root involvement. RESULTS The majority of papers (35/50) explicitly excluded patients with serious pathology. However, the terminology used and examples given were highly variable. Nerve root involvement was an exclusion criterion in the majority but not all studies. The criteria used for excluding patients with nerve root involvement varied greatly between studies. The most common criteria were 'motor, sensory or reflex changes' (nine studies), followed by 'pain radiating below the knee' (five studies) and 'reduced straight leg raise which reproduces leg pain' (five studies). In half of the included studies, the criteria used, while alluding to nerve root involvement, were not explained adequately for us to determine the types of patients included or excluded. DISCUSSION The inconsistent and unclear criteria used to identify cases of serious pathology and nerve root compromise means that published trials of LBP likely include heterogeneous patient populations. This trait limits our ability to make comparisons across trials or pool studies. Standardization and consensus is important for future research.
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Korovessis P, Repantis T, Zacharatos S, Baikousis A. Low back pain and sciatica prevalence and intensity reported in a Mediterranean country: ordinal logistic regression analysis. Orthopedics 2012; 35:e1775-84. [PMID: 23218636 DOI: 10.3928/01477447-20121120-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to estimate the 6-month prevalence and severity of low back pain and sciatica in a representative sample of an adult Mediterranean population. The study group comprised a sample of 674 adults aged 20 years or older from a mainly (74.8%) urban population. Information regarding low back pain and sciatica prevalence and severity and its related aspects, as well as socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, was collected by personal interviews with a validated questionnaire. The association between the intensity of low back pain and sciatica with several sociodemographic parameters was tested using ordered univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.A total of 266 (39.5%) patients reported low back pain and 166 (24.6%) reported sciatica during the previous 6-month period. A woman living in a Mediterranean country reported low back pain of increased severity if she was a married housewife aged older than 65 years who was a smoker and suffered from depression. More severe sciatic pain was reported by working married women older than 65 years who were smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Korovessis
- Orthopedic Department, General Hospital "Agios Andreas," 1 Tsertidou St, 26224 Patras, Greece.
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Kongsted A, Kent P, Albert H, Jensen TS, Manniche C. Patients with low back pain differ from those who also have leg pain or signs of nerve root involvement - a cross-sectional study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2012. [PMID: 23190800 PMCID: PMC3585913 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-13-236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Leg pain associated with low back pain (LBP) is recognized as a risk factor for a poor prognosis, and is included as a component in most LBP classification systems. The location of leg pain relative to the knee and the presence of a positive straight leg raise test have been suggested to have clinical implications. To understand differences between such leg pain subgroups, and whether differences include potentially modifiable characteristics, the purpose of this paper was to describe characteristics of patients classified into the Quebec Task Force (QTF) subgroups of: 1) LBP only, 2) LBP and pain above the knee, 3) LBP and pain below the knee, and 4) LBP and signs of nerve root involvement. Methods Analysis of routine clinical data from an outpatient department. Based on patient reported data and clinical findings, patients were allocated to the QTF subgroups and described according to the domains of pain, activity limitation, work participation, psychology, general health and clinical examination findings. Results A total of 2,673 patients aged 18–95 years (median 47) who were referred for assessment of LBP were included. Increasing severity was consistently observed across the subgroups from LBP only to LBP with signs of nerve root involvement although subgroup differences were small. LBP patients with leg pain differed from those with LBP only on a wide variety of parameters, and patients with signs of nerve root involvement had a more severe profile on almost all measures compared with other patients with back-related leg pain. Conclusion LBP patients with pain referral to the legs were more severely affected than those with local LBP, and patients with signs of nerve root involvement were the ones most severily affected. These findings underpin the concurrent validity of the Quebec Task Force Classification. However, the small size of many between-subgroup differences amid the large variability in this sample of cross-sectional data also underlines that the heterogeneity of patients with LBP is more complex than that which can be explained by leg pain patterns alone. The implications of the observed differences also require investigation in longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Kongsted
- Research Department, The Spine Centre of Southern Denmark, Hospital Lillebaelt, Institute of Regional Health Services Research, University of Southern Denmark, Clinical Locomotion Science Network, Middelfart, Denmark.
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Inter-examiner reliability of a proposed decision-making treatment based classification system for low back pain patients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 17:164-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.math.2011.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2011] [Revised: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 12/19/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Pinto RZ, Maher CG, Ferreira ML, Ferreira PH, Hancock M, Oliveira VC, McLachlan AJ, Koes B. Drugs for relief of pain in patients with sciatica: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ 2012; 344:e497. [PMID: 22331277 PMCID: PMC3278391 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.e497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy and tolerability of analgesic and adjuvant pain drugs typically administered in primary care for the management of patients with sciatica. DESIGN Systematic review. Data source International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, PsycINFO, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL, and LILACS. STUDY SELECTION Randomised controlled trials assessing the efficacy and tolerability of drugs versus placebo or other treatment for sciatica. DATA EXTRACTION Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed methodological quality using the PEDro scale. Pain and disability outcomes were converted to a common 0 to 100 scale. Data were pooled with a random effects model, and the GRADE approach was used in summary conclusions. RESULTS Twenty three published reports met the inclusion criteria. The evidence to judge the efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, and opioid analgesics ranged from moderate to low quality. Most of the pooled estimates did not favour the active treatment over placebo. The pooled results of two trials of corticosteroids (mean difference in overall and leg pain -12.2, 95% confidence interval -20.9 to -3.4) and a single trial of the anticonvulsant gabapentin for chronic sciatica (mean difference in overall pain relief -26.6, -38.3 to -14.9) showed some benefits but only in the short term. The median rate of adverse events was 17% (interquartile range 10-30%) for the active drugs and 11% (3-23%) for placebo. Trial limitations included failure to use validated outcome measures, lack of long term follow-up, and small sample size. CONCLUSIONS As the existing evidence from clinical trials is of low quality, the efficacy and tolerability of drugs commonly prescribed for the management of sciatica in primary care is unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Zambelli Pinto
- George Institute for Global Health, University of Sydney, PO Box M201, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia.
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Konstantinou K, Beardmore R, Dunn KM, Lewis M, Hider SL, Sanders T, Jowett S, Somerville S, Stynes S, van der Windt DAWM, Vogel S, Hay EM. Clinical course, characteristics and prognostic indicators in patients presenting with back and leg pain in primary care. The ATLAS study protocol. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2012; 13:4. [PMID: 22264273 PMCID: PMC3293000 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-13-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2011] [Accepted: 01/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low-back related leg pain with or without nerve root involvement is associated with a poor prognosis compared to low back pain (LBP) alone. Compared to the literature investigating prognostic indicators of outcome for LBP, there is limited evidence on prognostic factors for low back-related leg pain including the group with nerve root pain. This 1 year prospective consultation-based observational cohort study will describe the clinical, imaging, demographic characteristics and health economic outcomes for the whole cohort, will investigate differences and identify prognostic indicators of outcome (i.e. change in disability at 12 months), for the whole cohort and, separately, for those classified with and without nerve root pain. In addition, nested qualitative studies will provide insights on the clinical consultation and the impact of diagnosis and treatment on patients' symptom management and illness trajectory. METHODS Adults aged 18 years and over consulting their General Practitioner (GP) with LBP and radiating leg pain of any duration at (n = 500) GP practices in North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, UK will be invited to participate. All participants will receive a standardised assessment at the clinic by a study physiotherapist and will be classified according to the clinically determined presence or absence of nerve root pain/involvement. All will undergo a lumbar spine MRI scan. All participants will be managed according to their clinical need. The study outcomes will be measured at 4 and 12 months using postal self-complete questionnaires. Data will also be collected each month using brief postal questionnaires to enable detailed description of the course of low back and leg pain over time. Clinical observations and patient interviews will be used for the qualitative aspects of the study. DISCUSSION This prospective clinical observational cohort will combine self-reported data, comprehensive clinical and MRI assessment, together with qualitative enquiries, to describe the course, health care usage, patients' experiences and prognostic indicators in an adult population presenting in primary care with LBP and leg pain with or without nerve root involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kika Konstantinou
- Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre, Primary Care Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5BG, UK.
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Chen YC, Chou SW, Tseng HM, Liu WY, Ke YJ, Lin YH. Physical Fitness of Patients with Nonspecific Low Back Pain Who Performed a Progressive Four-week Fitness Exercise Program. J Phys Ther Sci 2012. [DOI: 10.1589/jpts.24.725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Chian Chen
- Physical Therapy Division, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
- Department of Physical Therapy and Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University
| | - Shih-Wei Chou
- Physical Therapy Division, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
| | - Hsu-Min Tseng
- Department and Graduate Institute of Health Care Management, College of Management, Chang Gung University
| | - Wen-Yu Liu
- Department of Physical Therapy and Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University
| | - Yi Ju Ke
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hsin Chu Branch of McKay Memorial Hospital
| | - Yang-Hua Lin
- Department of Physical Therapy and Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University
- Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung University
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Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Merged data from two primary care prospective cohort studies. OBJECTIVE To compare the clinical course of low back pain (LBP) consulters to primary care with and without self-reported referred leg pain. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA In patients with LBP, the presence of leg pain/sciatica is considered a poor prognostic indicator, associated with more severe pain, disability, and time off work. However, questions remain about how best to identify sciatica in primary care and whether self-reported referred leg pain provides a distinct classification for primary care. METHODS Data from two large prospective cohort studies of consecutive patients consulting with LBP in 13 general practices were merged. Using self-report data patients were divided into three subgroups: (1) those with LBP alone, (2) LBP with referred pain above the knee (LBP + above-knee), and (3) LBP with referred pain below the knee (LBP + below-knee). Unadjusted and adjusted baseline and 6-month follow-up scores on physical, psychological, and social indicators were compared between the groups using multiple regression analysis. RESULTS Among 1247 consulters the baseline prevalence of cases with LBP alone was 465 (37%), LBP + above-knee was 308 (25%), and LBP + below-knee was 474 (38%). Baseline severity and 6-month outcomes in the consulters with referred leg pain were significantly worse compared to those with LBP alone across a wide range of clinical characteristics, although differences diminished after adjusting for baseline characteristics. CONCLUSION The clinical course for LBP with self-reported referred leg pain is much worse. However, the fact that differences in outcome were not worse after adjustment suggests that baseline differences in severity and duration of back pain, demographic, and psychological characteristics largely explain the poorer outcomes in patients with referred leg pain. Future research needs to establish if similar results are observed among patients with clinically determined sciatica.
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Ashworth J, Konstantinou K, Dunn KM. Prognostic factors in non-surgically treated sciatica: a systematic review. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2011; 12:208. [PMID: 21943339 PMCID: PMC3287121 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-12-208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2011] [Accepted: 09/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background When present sciatica is considered an obstacle to recovery in low back pain patients, yet evidence is limited regarding prognostic factors for persistent disability in this patient group. The aim of this study is to describe and summarise the evidence regarding prognostic factors for sciatica in non-surgically treated cohorts. Understanding the prognostic factors in sciatica and their relative importance may allow the identification of patients with particular risk factors who might benefit from early or specific types of treatment in order to optimise outcome. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted using Medline, EMBASE and CINAHL electronic databases. Prospective cohort studies describing subjects with sciatica and measuring pain, disability or recovery outcomes were included. Studies of cohorts comprised entirely of surgically treated patients were excluded and mixed surgically and conservatively treated cohorts were included only if the results were analysed separately by treatment group or if the analysis was adjusted for treatment. Results Seven adequate or high quality eligible studies were identified. There were conflicting but mainly negative results regarding the influence of baseline pain severity, neurological deficit, nerve root tension signs, duration of symptoms and radiological findings on outcome. A number of factors including age, gender, smoking, previous history of sciatica and heaviness of work do not appear to influence outcome. In contrast to studies of low back pain and purely surgically treated sciatica cohorts, psychological factors were rarely investigated. Conclusions At present, the heterogeneity of the available studies makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions about sciatica prognosis, and highlights the need for further research for this group of patients. Large scale prospective studies of high methodological quality, using a well-defined, consistent definition of sciatica and investigating psychosocial factors alongside clinical and radiological findings are recommended to identify prognostic factors in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Ashworth
- Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre, Primary Care Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK.
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Petersen SM, Scott DR. Application of a classification system and description of a combined manual therapy intervention: a case with low back related leg pain. J Man Manip Ther 2011; 18:89-96. [PMID: 21655391 DOI: 10.1179/106698110x12640740712572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Low back pain and leg pain commonly occur together. Multiple factors can cause low back related leg pain; therefore, identification of the source of symptoms is required in order to develop an appropriate intervention program. The patient in this case presented with low back and leg pain. A patho-mechanism based classification is described in combination with the patient's subjective and objective examination findings to guide treatment. The patient's symptoms improved marginally with intervention addressing primarily the musculoskeletal impairments and with intervention addressing primarily the neurodynamic impairments. Full functional improvements were attained with a manual therapy intervention directed at both mechanisms simultaneously. The approach described in this case address a mixed pathology utilizing passive accessory and passive physiological lumbar mobilizations in combination with lower extremity neurodynamic mobilization. The patient reported complete resolution of symptoms after a total of seven visits over a period of 6 weeks. While specific guidelines do not yet exist for treatment based on the classification approach utilized, this case report provides an example of manual therapy to address low back related leg pain of mixed pathology.
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Abstract
STUDY DESIGN.: Longitudinal qualitative interview study, nested within a back pain cohort study. OBJECTIVE.: Enhance the understanding of patients' own perspectives on living with sciatica to inform improvements in care and treatment outcomes. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA.: Reports of patients' own accounts of sciatica and its impact on daily life are still scarce. Research on back pain has shown that it is important to understand how people live with pain and how they perceive interactions with health care professionals and interpret interventions. These types of insights help to improve treatments and their acceptability to patients. METHODS.: In-depth qualitative interviews with 37 people at baseline and 6 and 12 months' follow-up. The interviews covered topics that were derived from the Illness Perceptions Questionnaire and allowed open-ended talk about people's experiences of pain. All interviews were tape-recorded, fully transcribed, and thematically analyzed. RESULTS.: People needed to make sense of sciatica through identifying a cause and having it clinically diagnosed. The impact of sciatic pain was seen to be constant, intense, and all-encompassing. Appreciation of this by clinicians was considered important, as well as the provision of clear information about treatment and prognosis. Expectations about treatment options varied between patients, and people balanced pain relief with adverse effects. CONCLUSION.: Our study highlights patients' own accounts of the distinctiveness, impact, and intrusiveness of their sciatic symptoms. Our findings emphasize the importance of leg pain in identifying a subgroup of back-pain patients more likely to have severe symptoms, be at risk of poor outcome, and who should be considered a priority for early diagnosis and management. Future management of sciatica needs to include listening to patients' stories, offering a credible physical assessment, explanation, and diagnosis of the condition. Explaining the limits to treatment is seen as positively contributing to the partnership between patients and clinicians.
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Bishop MD, Horn ME, George SZ, Robinson ME. Self-reported pain and disability outcomes from an endogenous model of muscular back pain. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2011; 12:35. [PMID: 21288349 PMCID: PMC3042990 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-12-35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2010] [Accepted: 02/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Our purpose was to develop an induced musculoskeletal pain model of acute low back pain and examine the relationship among pain, disability and fear in this model. Methods Delayed onset muscle soreness was induced in 52 healthy volunteers (23 women, 17 men; average age 22.4 years; average BMI 24.3) using fatiguing trunk extension exercise. Measures of pain intensity, unpleasantness, and location, and disability, were tracked for one week after exercise. Results Pain intensity ranged from 0 to 68 with 57.5% of participants reporting peak pain at 24 hours and 32.5% reporting this at 48 hours. The majority of participants reported pain in the low back with 33% also reporting pain in the legs. The ratio of unpleasantness to intensity indicated that the sensation was considered more unpleasant than intense. Statistical differences were noted in levels of reported disability between participants with and without leg pain. Pain intensity at 24 hours was correlated with pain unpleasantness, pain area and disability. Also, fear of pain was associated with pain intensity and unpleasantness. Disability was predicted by sex, presence of leg pain, and pain intensity; however, the largest amount of variance was explained by pain intensity (27% of a total 40%). The second model, predicting pain intensity only included fear of pain and explained less than 10% of the variance in pain intensity. Conclusions Our results demonstrate a significant association between pain and disability in this model in young adults. However, the model is most applicable to patients with lower levels of pain and disability. Future work should include older adults to improve the external validity of this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Bishop
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.
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Fritz JM, Thackeray A, Childs JD, Brennan GP. A randomized clinical trial of the effectiveness of mechanical traction for sub-groups of patients with low back pain: study methods and rationale. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2010; 11:81. [PMID: 20433733 PMCID: PMC2874768 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-11-81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2009] [Accepted: 04/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with signs of nerve root irritation represent a sub-group of those with low back pain who are at increased risk of persistent symptoms and progression to costly and invasive management strategies including surgery. A period of non-surgical management is recommended for most patients, but there is little evidence to guide non-surgical decision-making. We conducted a preliminary study examining the effectiveness of a treatment protocol of mechanical traction with extension-oriented activities for patients with low back pain and signs of nerve root irritation. The results suggested this approach may be effective, particularly in a more specific sub-group of patients. The aim of this study will be to examine the effectiveness of treatment that includes traction for patients with low back pain and signs of nerve root irritation, and within the pre-defined sub-group. Methods/Design The study will recruit 120 patients with low back pain and signs of nerve root irritation. Patients will be randomized to receive an extension-oriented treatment approach, with or without the addition of mechanical traction. Randomization will be stratified based on the presence of the pre-defined sub-grouping criteria. All patients will receive 12 physical therapy treatment sessions over 6 weeks. Follow-up assessments will occur after 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. The primary outcome will be disability measured with a modified Oswestry questionnaire. Secondary outcomes will include self-reports of low back and leg pain intensity, quality of life, global rating of improvement, additional healthcare utilization, and work absence. Statistical analysis will be based on intention to treat principles and will use linear mixed model analysis to compare treatment groups, and examine the interaction between treatment and sub-grouping status. Discussion This trial will provide a methodologically rigorous evaluation of the effectiveness of using traction for patients with low back pain and signs of nerve root irritation, and will examine the validity of a pre-defined sub-grouping hypothesis. The results will provide evidence to inform non-surgical decision-making for these patients. Trial Registration This trial has been registered with http://ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00942227
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie M Fritz
- Rehabilitation Agency, Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
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