Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for low back pain
Abstract Background Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most frequently prescribed medications worldwide and are widely used for patients with low-back pain. Selective COX-2 inhibitors are currently available and used for patients with low-back pain. Objectives The objective was to assess the effects of NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors in the treatment of non-specific low-back pain […]
Individual patient education for low back pain
Abstract Background While many different types of patient education are widely used, the effect of individual patient education for low-back pain (LBP) has not yet been systematically reviewed. Objectives To determine whether individual patient education is effective in the treatment of non-specific low-back pain and which type is most effective. Search methods A computerized literature […]
Surgical interventions for lumbar disc prolapse
Abstract Background Disc prolapse accounts for five percent of low-back disorders but is one of the most common reasons for surgery. Objectives The objective of this review was to assess the effects of surgical interventions for the treatment of lumbar disc prolapse. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, PubMed, […]
Prolotherapy injections for chronic low-back pain
Abstract Background Prolotherapy involves repeated injections of irritant solutions to strengthen lumbosacral ligaments and reduce some types of chronic low-back pain; spinal manipulation and exercises are often used to enhance its effectiveness. Objectives To determine the efficacy of prolotherapy in adults with chronic low-back pain. Search methods We searched CENTRAL 2006, Issue 3 and MEDLINE, […]
Superficial heat or cold for low back pain
Abstract Background Heat and cold are commonly utilised in the treatment of low-back pain by both health care professionals and people with low-back pain. Objectives To assess the effects of superficial heat and cold therapy for low-back pain in adults. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Back Review Group Specialised register, the Cochrane Central Register […]
Surgery for degenerative lumbar spondylosis
Abstract Background Surgical investigations and interventions account for large health care utilisation and costs, but the scientific evidence for most procedures is still limited. Objectives Degenerative conditions affecting the lumbar spine are variously described as lumbar spondylosis or degenerative disc disease (which we regarded as one entity) and may be associated with back pain and […]
Exercise therapy for treatment of non-specific low back pain
Abstract Background Exercise therapy is widely used as an intervention in low-back pain. Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of exercise therapy in adult non-specific acute, subacute and chronic low-back pain versus no treatment and other conservative treatments. Search methods The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Issue 3, 2004), MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychInfo, CINAHL databases to […]
Acupuncture and dry-needling for low back pain
Abstract Background Although low-back pain is usually a self-limiting and benign disease that tends to improve spontaneously over time, a large variety of therapeutic interventions are available for its treatment. Objectives To assess the effects of acupuncture for the treatment of non-specific low-back pain and dry-needling for myofascial pain syndrome in the low-back region. Search […]
Back schools for non-specific low-back pain
Abstract Background Since the introduction of the Swedish back school in 1969, back schools have frequently been used for treating patients with low-back pain (LBP). However, the content of back schools has changed and appears to vary widely today. Objectives To assess the effectiveness of back schools for patients with non-specific LBP. Search methods We […]
Neuroreflexotherapy for non-specific low-back pain
Abstract Background Among the wide range of therapeutic alternatives proposed for the management of low-back pain (LBP), a less widely used technique from Spain, called neuroreflexotherapy (NRT) has claimed to show very favourable results, mainly in patients with chronic low-back pain. Objectives To assess the effectiveness of NRT for the treatment of non-specific LBP in […]