Lumbar Spine & Low Back Pain

An evidence-based clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy

D. Scott Kreiner, MD Published Online: November 18, 2013 Background context The objective of the North American Spine Society’s (NASS) Evidence-Based Clinical Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation with Radiculopathy is to provide evidence-based recommendations to address key clinical questions surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy. The guideline […]

Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Nonspecific Chronic Low Back Pain

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Lam, Megan BA, MSc Spine: 15 November 2013 – Volume 38 – Issue 24 – p 2124–2138 Abstract Study Design. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Objective. To evaluate the totality of evidence in relation to the effectiveness of acupuncture for nonspecific chronic low back pain […]

Short-term usual chiropractic care for spinal pain

Walker BF,et al. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2013 Nov 15;38(24):2071-8. doi: 10.1097/01.brs.0000435032.73187.c7. Affiliation *School of Health Professions †School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia; and ‡School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Abstract STUDY DESIGN: Parallel-group randomized controlled trial. OBJECTIVE: Establish the short-term effectiveness of chiropractic therapy for spinal pain compared […]

Comparison of radicular symptoms caused by lumbar disc herniation and lumbar spinal stenosis in the elderly

Rainville J, et al. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2013 Jul 1;38(15):1282-7. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02120, USA. jrainvil@nebh.org Abstract STUDY DESIGN: Comparative study using combined data from 2 prospective cohort studies. OBJECTIVE: To expose the differences between the clinical characteristics of neurogenic claudication from magnetic resonance image-documented lumbar spinal […]

Lumbar lordosis

Ella Been The Spine Journal: Article in Press Received 3 October 2011; received in revised form 22 June 2013; accepted 21 July 2013. published online 04 October 2013. Corrected Proof Abstract Lumbar lordosis is a key postural component that has interested both clinicians and researchers for many years. Despite its wide use in assessing postural […]

The orthotic treatment of acute and chronic disease of the cervical and lumbar spine

Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2013 Nov 1;110(44):737-42. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2013.0737. Zarghooni K, Beyer F, Siewe J, Eysel P. Abstract BACKGROUND: Orthoses are external aids that are often used to treat pain and diseases affecting the spine, such as lumbago, whiplash, and disc herniation. In this review, we assess the effectiveness and complications of orthotic treatment for typical […]

Recovery of motor deficit accompanying sciatica—subgroup analysis of a randomized controlled trial

Gijsbert M. Overdevest, MD The Spine Journal: Available online 5 November 2013: In Press Abstract Background context In patients with sciatica due to a lumbar disc herniation, it is generally recommended to reserve surgical treatment for those who suffer from intolerable pain or those who demonstrate persistent symptoms after conservative management. Controversy exists about the […]

Comparison of spinal fusion and nonoperative treatment in patients with chronic low back pain

Long-term follow-up of three randomized controlled trials Anne F. Mannion, PhD The Spine Journal: Available online 5 November 2013: In Press Abstract Background context Chronic low back pain (cLBP) represents a major challenge to our health care systems. The relative efficacy of surgery over nonoperative treatment for the treatment of cLBP remains controversial, and little […]

How do coverage policies influence practice patterns, safety, and cost of initial lumbar fusion surgery? A population-based comparison of workers’ compensation systems

Brook I. Martin, PhD, MPH The Spine Journal: Available online 7 November 2013: In Press Abstract Background context In response to increasing use of lumbar fusion for improving back pain, despite unclear efficacy, particularly among injured workers, some insurers have developed limited coverage policies. Washington State’s workers’ compensation (WC) program requires imaging confirmation of instability […]

Associations between Lumbosacral Transitional Anatomy Types and Degeneration at the Transitional and Adjacent Segments

Nadja A. Farshad-Amacker, MD The Spine Journal:Available online 8 November 2013: In Press Abstract Background The relation between specific types of lumbosacral transitional vertebra and the degree of degeneration at and adjacent to the transitional level is unclear. It is further unknown whether the adjacent cephalad segment to a transitional vertebra is prone to greater […]

Effect of functional lumbar stabilization exercises on pain, disability, and kinesiophobia in women with menstrual low back pain

A preliminary trial Hassan Shakeri, PhD Journal of Chiropractic Medicine: Available online 4 November 2013: In Press Abstract Objective The purpose of this preliminary study was to investigate the effect of functional lumbar stabilization exercises on pain, disability, and kinesiophobia in women with menstrual low back pain (LBP). Methods Thirty women with menstrual LBP participated […]

Associations among low back pain, income, and body mass index in Taiwan

Hsiao-Yun Hu, PhD The Spine Journal Volume 13, Issue 11, November 2013, Pages 1521–1526 Abstract Background context There is a lack of literature on the association of obesity with low back pain (LBP) in oriental countries. Furthermore, no research has explored whether higher socioeconomic status cushions obesity-related risk of LBP. Purpose This study aims to […]

Inter-session reliability of the measurement of the deep and superficial layer of lumbar multifidus in young asymptomatic people and patients with low back pain using ultrasonography

I-Shan Liu Manual Therapy Volume 18, Issue 6 , Pages 481-486, December 2013 Abstract Study design Reliability study. Objective To investigate the inter-session reliability of measuring the thickness of deep (dMF) and superficial layer of lumbar multifidus (sMF) using ultrasonography for participants with and without low back pain (LBP). Background The lumbar multifidus is an […]

The Associations Between PT and Long-Term Outcomes for Individuals with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis in the SPORT study

Julie M. Fritz, PhD, PT, ATC Abstract Background /Context: A period of non-surgical management is advocated prior to surgical treatment for most patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. Currently, little evidence is available to define optimal non-surgical management. Physical therapy is often used, however its use and effectiveness relative to other non-surgical strategies has not been […]

Back Strength Predicts Walking Improvement in Obese, Older Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain

Vincent HK,et al. PM R. 2013 Nov 7. pii: S1934-1482(13)01148-9 Abstract OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of 4 months of isolated lumbar resistance exercise and total body resistance exercise on walking performance in obese, older adults with chronic low back pain. A secondary analysis examined whether responsiveness to training modulated walking improvement. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled trial. SETTING: Research […]

Disc degeneration and chronic low back pain

An association which becomes nonsignificant when endplate changes and disc contour are taken into account Francisco M. Kovacs Neuroradiology:  November 2013 Abstract Introduction The objective of this study was to assess the association between severe disc degeneration (DD) and low back pain (LBP). Methods A case–control study was conducted with 304 subjects, aged 35–50, recruited […]

MRI for diagnosing lumbar spinal pathology in adult patients with low back pain or sciatica

In conclusion, these poor results show that non-negligible numbers of LBP patients will be incorrectly diagnosed when MRI is used in isolation.

Study: Young athletes have high rate of sports-related low back pain injury

ORLANDO, Fla.— Researchers have found that low back pain is the third most common sports-related injury in young athletes after knee and ankle injuries, according to a study presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition. “If a young athlete has lower back pain for 2 weeks or longer, it is imperative […]

The Flexion Intolerant Back – Pattern Recognition, Beyond The Trees

Phillip Snell, D.C. November 2, 2013 Full Discussion:  http://www.rehab2performance.com/flexion-intolerant-back/ As the old saying goes, it’s sometimes hard to see the forest for the trees. For low back pain (LBP), this old saw is particularly apt. All too quickly, discussions of structural causes of LBP lapse into call and response arguments citing this structure and that […]

Prognostic factors for return to work in patients with sciatica

December 1, 2013 Volume 13, Issue 12, Pages 1849–1857 Lars Grøvle, MD, PhD 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 […]