Do Improved Trunk Mobility and Isometric Strength Correlate with Improved Pain and Disability after Multimodal Rehabilitation for Low Back Pain? / A melhora da mobilidade e da força isométrica do tronco se correlacionam com a melhora da dor e da incapacidade após a reabilitação multimodal para dor lombar?

Abstract Objective To determine the correlation between posttreatment trunk range of motion (ROM) and isometric strength (TIS) and pain and disability in patients who underwent multimodal rehabilitation for low back pain (LBP). Methods In this prospective cohort study, 122 patients undergoing multimodal rehabilitation for LBP were analyzed. The pre- and posttreatment numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores, as well as trunk ROM and TIS were compared. The Pearson correlation was used to determine correlation between posttreatment clinical outcomes and ROM and TIS. Results At the end of treatment, the mean NPRS (p< 0.0001) and ODI (p< 0.0001) scores, mean trunk extension (p< 0.0001), and flexion (p< 0.0001) ROMs improved significantly. Similarly, posttreatment, the mean extension (p< 0.0001) and flexion (p< 0.0001) TISs improved significantly. There was a weak correlation between the NPRS score and ROM extension (r = -0.24, p= 0.006) and flexion strength (r = -0.28, p= 0.001), as well as between the ODI score and TIS extension (r = -0.30, p= 0.0007) and flexion (r = -0.28, p= 0.001). Conclusion Despite significant improvement in pain, disability, trunk ROM, and TIS with multimodal treatment, there was a weak correlation between posttreatment pain and function and trunk ROM and TIS. Improvement in pain and function with physical rehabilitation treatment for LBP is a complex phenomenon and needs further investigation.

Resumo Objetivo Determinar a correlação entre a amplitude de movimento (ADM) do tronco pós-tratamento e a força isométrica do tronco (FIT) e a dor e a incapacidade em pacientes submetidos à reabilitação multimodal para dor lombar (DL). Métodos Neste estudo de coorte prospectiva, 122 pacientes submetidos à reabilitação multimodal para DL foram analisados. Foram comparados os escores de escala numérica de dor pré- e pós-tratamento (END) e do índice de incapacidade Oswestry (Oswestry disability index - ODI), a ADM do tronco e a FIT. A correlação de Pearson foi utilizada para determinar a correlação entre desfechos clínicos e a ADM e a FIT pós-tratamento. Resultados Ao final do tratamento, as médias de ADM (p< 0,0001) e ODI (p< 0,0001), as ADMs médias de extensão (p< 0,0001) e a flexão (p< 0,0001) do tronco melhoraram significativamente. Da mesma forma, a FIT pós-tratamento, as FITs médias de extensão (p< 0,0001) e flexão (p< 0,0001) melhoraram significativamente. Houve uma correlação fraca entre o escore do END e a ADM de extensão (r = -0,24, p= 0,006) e força de flexão (r = -0,28, p= 0,001) pós-tratamento, assim como entre o escore de ODI e FIT de extensão (r = -0,30, p= 0,0007) e flexão (r = -0,28, p= 0,001) pós-tratamento. Conclusão Apesar da melhora significativa da dor, capacidade, ADM do tronco e FIT com tratamento multimodal, houve uma fraca correlação entre dor pós-tratamento e função e ADM e FIT de tronco. A melhora da dor e da função com o tratamento de reabilitação física para DL é um fenômeno complexo e precisa de uma investigação mais aprofundada.

Lumbar Facet Syndrome and the Use of Radiofrequency Ablation Technique as an Alternative Therapy: A Systematic Review / Síndrome facetária lombar e a utilização da técnica de ablação por radiofrequência como terapia alternativa: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Lumbar facet syndrome stands out as a significant cause for the increasing prevalence of back pain complaints. Alternatives such as radiofrequency (RF) ablation may be a therapeutic option to relieve the chronic pain associated with this condition. It is critical to analyze the effectiveness of lumbar facet syndrome treatment using the traditional RF ablation technique and the relief generated by it in chronic low back pain (CLBP). This study is a systematic review using the following inclusion criteria: title, observational studies, clinical trials, controlled clinical trials, clinical studies, and publications over the last 17 years (from 2005 to 2022). The exclusion criteria included papers addressing other themes and review articles. The databases used for data collection included the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline), PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Lilacs, and Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (Virtual Health Library in Portuguese). The query used the following terms: facet, pain, lumbar, and radiofrequency. The application of these filters yielded 142 studies, and 12 were included in this review. Most studies indicated that the traditional RF ablation technique was beneficial in relieving CLBP refractory to conservative treatment.

Resumo Em um contexto de aumento da prevalência de queixas de dores na coluna, a síndrome facetária se destaca como um importante causador. Alternativas como a ablação por radiofrequência (RF) podem ser uma opção de terapia para alívio da dor crônica que essa patologia pode causar. É necessário analisar a eficácia do tratamento da síndrome facetária pela técnica de ablação por radiofrequência tradicional e o alívio gerado nas dores lombares crônicas (DLC). O presente estudo trata-se de uma revisão sistemática cujo os critérios de inclusão para análise foram: título; estudos observacionais; ensaios clínicos; ensaio clínico controlado; estudos clínicos e publicação nos últimos dezessete anos (2005-2022). Já os critérios de exclusão foram: artigos que abordavam outras temáticas e artigos de revisão. As bases utilizadas para coleta de dados incluíram Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System online (Medline), Pubmed, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Lilacs, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde. Os termos utilizados para a pesquisa foram: facet; pain; lumbar; radiofrequency. Aplicando-se os filtros foram encontrados 142 estudos, 12 foram incluídos. Os estudos em sua maioria apontaram ser benéfica a técnica de ablação por radiofrequência tradicional no alívio das dores lombares crônicas refratárias ao tratamento conservador.

Efectividad de la fisioterapia para el dolor de espalda baja apoyada en recursos digitales / Effectiveness of physiotherapy for low back pain supported by digital resources

El número de intervenciones terapéuticas apoyadas en el uso de los recursos digitales aumenta cada día como vía para facilitar el acceso a cualquier tipo de atención sanitaria. Se realizó una revisión sistemática con el objetivo de analizar la efectividad (estado funcional, la intensidad del dolor y la adherencia al tratamiento) de la intervención de fisioterapia, apoyada en recursos digitales, frente a la fisioterapia convencional en pacientes adultos con dolor de espalda. Este estudio consultó las bases de datos científicas: PubMed, Biblioteca Virtual en Salud, Cochrane, Base de datos de Fisioterapia basada en la evidencia, Science Direct, Scopus, Episteminikos y Google Académico. La selección inicial de los estudios, la evaluación exhaustiva de los artículos completos y la extracción de las características necesarias para la investigación fueron realizadas por los seis investigadores y revisadas por dos revisores independientes. Se incluyeron 12 artículos (10 ensayos clínicos y dos estudios de cohorte). Los resultados de la revisión sistemática soportan el uso de los recursos digitales disponibles para el manejo de dolor de espalda baja, con una importante relación con la reducción de los niveles de dolor y la mejora en la funcionalidad. Es necesario realizar más estudios de alta calidad para evidenciar estos resultados, pues están por determinarse los criterios de la intervención(AU)

The number of therapeutic interventions supported by the use of digital resources is increasing every day as a way to facilitate access to any type of health care. A systematic review was carried out with the aim of analyzing the effectiveness (functional status, pain intensity and adherence to treatment) of the physiotherapy intervention, supported by digital resources, compared to conventional physiotherapy in adult patients with back pain. This study consulted the scientific databases such as PubMed, Virtual Health Library, Cochrane, Evidence-Based Physiotherapy Database, Science Direct, Scopus, Episteminikos, and Google Scholar. The initial selection of the studies, the exhaustive evaluation of the full articles and the extraction of the characteristics necessary for the investigation were carried out by the six research fellows and reviewed by two independent reviewers. Twelve articles were included (10 clinical trials and two cohort studies). The results of the systematic review support the use of available digital resources for the management of low back pain, with an important relationship with the reduction of pain levels and the improvement in functionality. It is necessary to carry out more high-quality studies to demonstrate these results, since the criteria for the intervention are yet to be determined(AU)

Laser acupuncture combined with auricular acupressure improves low-back pain and quality of life in nurses: A randomized controlled trial / 中西医结合学报

BACKGROUND@#Low-back pain (LBP) in nurses is a major health concern that affects their quality of life and ability to work, with consequences for their economic status.@*OBJECTIVE@#This study evaluates the effect of low-level laser acupuncture combined with auricular acupressure (LAA) on pain intensity, pain interference and quality of life in nurses with LBP.@*DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS@#This randomized controlled trial recruited a convenience sample of hospital-based nurses from one teaching hospital in Taiwan, China. Participants were randomly assigned to the LAA group (n = 38) receiving low-level laser acupuncture and auricular acupressure for 4 weeks, and the control group (n = 38) receiving only sham laser acupuncture treatment without laser energy output.@*MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES@#Data were collected for the primary pain outcome using the Short Form of the Brief Pain Inventory, while the secondary outcome, quality of life, was evaluated using the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire. Both primary and secondary outcomes were scored before the intervention, and after 2-week and 4-week intervention. The rate of LBP recurrence was evaluated at the 4th week and 8th week after the end of intervention.@*RESULTS@#After controlling for prior pain, the result of linear mixed model analysis showed trends in significant between-group differences in the level of current pain occurring in week 4 (P < 0.001), worst pain in week 2 (P < 0.001) and week 4 (P < 0.001), least pain in week 2 (P = 0.032) and week 4 (P < 0.001), pain interference in week 2 (P = 0.009) and week 4 (P < 0.001), and in the life dysfunction in week 2 (P < 0.001) and week 4 (P < 0.001). Recurrence rates of LBP at the 4th and 8th weeks after the end of intervention were 0% and 36.89% in the LAA group, and 69.44% and 36.11% in the control group.@*CONCLUSION@#This study shows that 4-week LAA intervention reduced pain intensity and pain interference, and improved quality of life for hospital-based nurses with LBP. These effects were maintained continuously for at least 4 weeks after the intervention. The nonpharmacological intervention, LAA, may be another efficacious, feasible, noninvasive, analgesic intervention for LBP.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#This study is registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (registration number NCT04423445).

Electromyography in muscle activation lumbar region in a comparison between manual therapy and photobiomodulation associated with kinesiotherapy in individuals with low back pain

INTRODUCTION: About 10 million people have low back pain (LBP) disability in Brazil. Several therapies are used to treat this condition, such as kinesiotherapy, manual therapy (MT), and photobiomodulation (PBM). Although the use of these methods in LBP has been investigated, studies evaluating the efficacy of the association between these techniques are still needed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the activation of the lumbar region muscles by PBM or MT associated with kinesiotherapy for the treatment of LBP. METHODS: Twenty individuals with chronic LBP were randomlydivided into two groups. The first group (MT) received vertebral mobilization associated with a kinesiotherapy exercise program. The second group (830nm-PBM) received PBM associated with the exercise program, twice a week for 8 weeks. Evaluation of pain perceived was performed by the visual analogic scale (VAS), lumbar disability by the Oswestry questionnaire, muscle strength by strain gauge, and activation through surface electromyography (EMG). Data were collected before and after the treatment. EMG data was analyzed by MatLab®. The ANOVA two-way test was used (degree of significance p≤0.05), and the size of the effect by the Hedge test. RESULTS: Considering pain, the two groups presented a significant result (p<0.05). In muscle activation, only the multifidus was different during the side bridge (p<0.05) when compared intragroup. None of the variables were different when evaluating intergroup. CONCLUSION: Both MT and PBM associated with kinesiotherapy for 8 weeks are effective in reducing pain, and improving motor control and stability of the lumbar spine in patients with chronic LBP.

Dolor lumbar en el embarazo, aspectos fisiopatológicos y tratamiento / Low back pain in pregnancy, pathophysiological aspects and treatment

INTRODUCCIÓN: El dolor lumbar es una condición de alta prevalencia en la población general. La gestación genera cambios fisiológicos que favorecen la aparición de síntomas dolorosos que pueden comprometer la calidad de vida. MÉTODO: Revisión de la literatura con términos MeSH en inglés y español en las bases de datos Embase, PubMed, Lilacs, Sage, Google Academics y Scielo desde el año 1994 hasta el año 2021. Se encontraron 74 artículos y fueron seleccionados 50, basados en su impacto clínico. RESULTADOS: El dolor lumbar afecta a más del 50% de las mujeres embarazadas. Existen antecedentes gineco-obstétricos que pueden intervenirse para disminuir el riego o la intensidad de los síntomas. El diagnóstico es clínico, pero puede asociarse a imágenes diagnósticas cuando se sospechan condiciones de riesgo. El tratamiento se basa en intervenciones no farmacológicas como ejercicio y terapia física, pero pueden utilizarse algunos medicamentos e intervenciones en dolor según su riesgo-beneficio materno y fetal. CONCLUSIONES: El dolor lumbar en el embarazo es muy frecuente y debe ser conocido, diagnosticado y tratado por los profesionales de la salud que atienden esta población, dentro de un equipo multidisciplinario de tratamiento.

INTRODUCTION: Low back pain is a condition of high prevalence in the general population. Gestation generates physiological changes that favor the appearance of painful symptoms that can compromise the quality of life. METHOD: Review of the literature with MeSH terms in English and Spanish in the databases Embase, PubMed, Lilacs, Sage, Google Academics and Scielo from the year 1994 to the year 2021. Seventy-four articles were found and 50 were selected based on their clinical impact. RESULTS: Low back pain affects more than 50% of pregnant women. There are gyneco-obstetric antecedents that can be intervened to reduce the risk or intensity of symptoms. The diagnosis of this entity is clinical, but it can be associated with diagnostic imaging when risk conditions are suspected. Treatment is based on non-pharmacological interventions such as exercise and physical therapy, but some medications and pain interventions can be used according to their risk of maternal and fetal benefit. CONCLUSIONS: Low back pain in pregnancy is very frequent, it should be known, diagnosed, and treated by health professionals who care for this population, based on a multidisciplinary treatment team.

Beneficios de la evaluación integral en adultos mayores con dolores crónicos de columna en un centro periférico del conurbano bonaerense / Benefits of the comprehensive evaluation in older adults with chronic back pain, in a peripheral medical center of the Buenos Aires suburbs

Introducción. Desde hace varios años, el abordaje de los pacientes adultos mayores que consultan por dolor crónico en un centro periférico del Hospital Italiano del conurbano bonaerense se realiza de manera integral, mediante la evaluación conjunta de una kinesióloga y un médico de familia, lo que facilita la indicación terapéutica individualizada, con la aplicación de estrategias cognitivo-conductuales. Objetivo. Documentar los resultados clínicos luego de una evaluación integral de pacientes mayores de 60 años que consultaron por dolor crónico de columna refractarios a tratamientos monodisciplinarios. Métodos. Estudio observacional, analítico tipo antes-después, prospectivo. Recolectamos variables descriptivas de los participantes al momento de la evaluación integral (demográficas, antropométricas, contextuales y clínicas) y de desenlace: dolor, calidad de vida y actividad física a los tres y seis meses, consultas no programadas y a servicio de traumatología durante ese periodo. Estimamos necesaria una muestra de 30 pacientes, pero debido a la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2finalizamos precozmente el estudio con los pacientes reclutados hasta ese momento. Resultados. Incluimos nueve participantes (edad media 66,5 años, desviación estándar 4,9; 67 % sexo femenino). Todos completaron el seguimiento a seis meses. Observamos reducción del dolor y mejoría de la calidad de vida a los seis meses (cambio en la escala visual analógica [EVA] -3, intervalo de confianza [IC] 95 % -5,1 a -0,94; cambio en el puntaje del EQ-5D-3L 0,17, IC 95 % 0,08 a 0,26, respectivamente). Conclusión. En los pacientes adultos mayores de 60 años con dolor crónico de columna no oncológico evaluados de manera integral por un médico de familia y un kinesiólogo se observó una mejoría del dolor y la calidad de vida a los seis meses de seguimiento. Debido a que el diseño no incluyó un grupo control estas diferencias no pueden atribuirse de manera fehaciente a la intervención, aunque estos hallazgos son concordantes con los de ensayos previos. (AU)

Introduction. For several years, the approach of elderly patients who consult for chronic pain in a peripheral center ofthe Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires has been carried out in a comprehensive way, through the joint evaluation of akinesiologist and a family doctor, which facilitates individualized therapeutic indication, with the application of cognitive-behavioral strategies.Objective. To document the clinical results after the comprehensive evaluation of patients over 60 years of age whoconsulted for chronic back pain refractory to monodisciplinary treatments. Methods. Observational, analytical, before-after, prospective study. We collected descriptive variables from the participantsat the time of the comprehensive evaluation (demographic, anthropometric, contextual and clinical) and outcome variables:pain, quality of life and physical activity at three and six months, unscheduled consultations and trauma service during thatperiod. We estimate that a sample of 30 patients is necessary, but due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic we ended the studyearly with the patients recruited up to that time. Results. We included nine participants (mean age 66.5 years, standard deviation 4.9; 67 % female). All completed the six-month follow-up. We observed reduction in pain and improvement in quality of life at six months (change in visual analogscale [VAS] -3, 95 % confidence interval [CI] -5.1 to -0.94; change in score of the EQ-5D-3L 0.17, 95 % CI 0.08 to 0.26,respectively). Conclusion. In adult patients over 60 years of age with chronic non-cancer back pain who were comprehensively evaluatedby a family doctor and a kinesiologist, an improvement in pain and quality of life was observed at six months of follow-up. Since the design did not include a control group, these differences cannot be reliably attributed to the intervention, althoughthese findings are consistent with those of previous trials. (AU)

Head acupuncture combined with exercise therapy for nonspecific low back pain：a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical effect between head acupuncture combined with exercise therapy and conventional acupuncture for nonspecific low back pain.@*METHODS@#A total of 64 patients with nonspecific low back pain were randomized into an observation group (32 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a control group (32 cases, 2 cases dropped off). In the control group, conventional acupuncture was applied at Jiaji (EX-B 2) of L1 to L3, ashi point, Shenshu (BL 23), Dachangshu (BL 25), Yaoyangguan (GV 3) and Weizhong (BL 40). The observation group was treated with head acupuncture combined with exercise therapy, head acupuncture was applied at foot-motor-sensory area on the healthy side and Cuanzhu (BL 2), Tongziliao (GB 1) on the affected side, and McKenzie therapy was performed during retention. The needles were retained for 40 min, once a day, continuous treatment for 6 days with the interval of 1 day, 14 days were required in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI) score and infrared thermography temperature of pain area in the low back were compared in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the VAS and ODI scores after treatment were decreased in the two groups (P<0.01), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.01). Compared before treatment, the infrared thermography temperature of pain area in the low back after treatment was increased in the two groups (P<0.01), and that in the observation group was higher than the control group (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Head acupuncture combined with exercise therapy could relieve pain, improve dysfunction and increase the local temperature of pain area in patients with nonspecific low back pain, and its curative effect is better than conventional acupuncture.

Warming acupuncture combined with "three steps and seven methods" of tuina for chronic nonspecific low back pain of yang deficiency and cold-dampness blockage: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical efficacy and possible mechanism of warming acupuncture combined with "three steps and seven methods" of tuina and simple "three steps and seven methods" of tuina in treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain (NLBP) of yang deficiency and cold-dampness blockage.@*METHODS@#A total of 138 patients were randomized into an observation group (69 cases, 5 cases dropped off) and a control group (69 cases, 7 cases dropped off). In the control group, "three steps and seven methods" of tuina was applied. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, warming acupuncture was applied at Shenshu (BL 23), Yaoyangguan (GV 3), Mingmen (GV 4), Weizhong (BL 40) and ashi points. The treatment was given once a day, 6 times a week for 3 weeks in both groups. Before and after treatment, the short form of McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI) score, finger-to-floor distance (FFD), Schober test distance, fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire (FABQ) score and yang deficiency and cold-dampness blockage score were observed, the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) were detected in both groups. The recurrence rate was evaluated in follow-up of 6 months after treatment.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the scores of PRI, PPI, VAS, ODI, FABQ and FFD, yang deficiency and cold-dampness blockage scores were decreased compared before treatment in both groups (P<0.01), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.01); the Schober test distances were increased compared before treatment in both groups (P<0.01), and that in the observation group was larger than the control group (P<0.01). After treatment, the serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and TXB2 were decreased compared before treatment in both groups (P<0.01), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.01). In follow-up, the recurrence rate was 12.8% (6/47) in the observation group, which was lower than 34.3% (12/35) in the control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Warming acupuncture combined with "three steps and seven methods" of tuina can effectively alleviate pain in patients with chronic NLBP of yang deficiency and cold-dampness blockage, improve activity and dysfunction of waist, the clinical efficacy is superior to simple "three steps and seven methods" of tuina, its mechanism may be relate to the inhibition of inflammatory reaction.

Therapeutic effect of Fanzhen Jieci needling on discogenic sciatica: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the therapeutic effect between Fanzhen Jieci (warming acupuncture plus fast needling) combined with conventional acupuncture and simple conventional acupuncture on discogenic sciatica.@*METHODS@#A total of 76 patients with discogenic sciatica were randomized into a Fanzhen Jieci group and a conventional acupuncture group, 38 cases in each one. Conventional acupuncture was applied at Shenshu (BL 23), Dachangshu (BL 25), L1-L5 Jiaji (EX-B 2) and Huantiao (GB 30) on the affected side, etc. in the conventional acupuncture group. On the basis of the treatment in the conventional acupuncture group, Fanzhen Jieci was applied at L1-L5 Jiaji (EX-B 2) and Huantiao (GB 30) on the affected side in the Fanzhen Jieci group, i.e. warming acupuncture was applied at L1-L5 Jiaji (EX-B 2), and fast needling was applied at Huantiao (GB 30) on the affected side for a depth of 40-60 mm, so as to introduce a sensation of electric shock transmitting to lower limb, and then the needle was immediately withdrawn. The treatment was given once every other day, 3 times a week for 3 weeks in both groups. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score of leg and low back pain, the Oswestry disability index (ODI) score and the 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) score before and after treatment were compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the VAS scores of leg and low back pain and the ODI scores after treatment were decreased in both groups (P<0.001), the changes of the VAS scores of leg and low back pain in the Fanzhen Jieci group were larger than those in the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.05). After treatment, except for the role emotional and health transition scores, the various scores of SF-36 were increased compared before treatment in the Fanzhen Jieci group (P<0.01); except for the role physical, role emotional and health transition scores, the various scores of SF-36 were increased compared before treatment in the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.01). After treatment, the physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain, mental health and general health scores of SF-36 in the Fanzhen Jieci group were higher than those in the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Fanzhen Jieci combined with conventional acupuncture can effectively relieve the pain and improve the mental state in patients with discogenic sciatica, its therapeutic effect is superior to simple conventional acupuncture.

Stress reduction via neuro-emotional technique to achieve the simultaneous resolution of chronic low back pain with multiple inflammatory and biobehavioural indicators: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial / 中西医结合学报

BACKGROUND@#Beginning with the concepts of stress developed by Selye, an approach to stress and pain management, known as neuro-emotional technique (NET), has been developed. It is a treatment approach based on the principle that the stressor effects of dormant and/or current unresolved issues or trauma are what determine one's bodily responses. These responses are relatively personalized to the conditioned, experiential and emotional reality of the individual.@*OBJECTIVE@#To determine the effect of NET on patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) over time.@*DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, AND INTERVENTIONS@#In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study conducted in a single clinic, NET or control treatments were given twice weekly for 4 weeks in a population of 112 patients.@*MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES@#Outcome measures, including Oswestry Disability Index, Quadruple Visual Analogue Scale, the psychoneuroimmunology markers of blood serum levels of C-reactive protein, tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, and IL-10, and 10 dimensions of the Short Form Health Survey scale, were assessed at baseline and at 1, 3 and 6 months following the intervention period.@*RESULTS@#Compared to placebo, NET produced clinical and statistical significance (P < 0.001) via declines of virtually all physiological, pain and disability markers, accompanied by gains in quality-of-life indicators at 0 (baseline), 1, 3 and 6 months. Reductions of the percentages of patients whose 5 biomarkers lay outside the normative range were achieved at 1, 3 and 6 months by NET but not control interventions.@*CONCLUSION@#A randomized, controlled trial of CLBP patients indicated that 8 NET interventions, compared to placebo, produced clinically and statistically significant reductions in pain, disability and inflammatory biomarkers, and improvements in quality-of-life measures.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#The trial was registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (No. ACTRN12608000002381).

Whole body physical training in the treatment of chronic low back pain / Treinamento físico de corpo inteiro no tratamento da dor lombar crônica / Entrenamiento físico de cuerpo entero en el tratamiento del dolor lumbar crónico

ABSTRACT Introduction Chronic low back pain (CNLBP) manifests as chronic lumbosacral and hip pain, affecting athletes' daily training and competition. Whole-body sports training can significantly improve the strength of the core muscles of the lumbosacral region and has certain advantages in the treatment of chronic low back pain. Object We study the therapeutic effect of whole-body physical training on athletes' chronic low back pain (CNLBP). Method We selected 60 athletes with chronic low back pain patients. At the same time, we divide it into a control group and an observation group. The control group received conventional treatment, and the observation group received full-body physical training on this basis. After two months, the relevant physiological indicators of the patients were compared. Result After treatment, all physiological indexes of the two groups have great differences. Conclusion Whole-body physical training can significantly reduce athletes' back pain symptoms and help restore professional athletes to regular training. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Introdução A dor lombar (GNP) crônica se manifesta como dor lombossacra e no quadril que afeta o treinamento e a competição diária dos atletas. O treinamento esportivo de corpo inteiro pode melhorar significativamente a força dos músculos centrais da região lombossacra e tem certas vantagens no tratamento da dor lombar crônica. Objetivo Estudarmos o efeito terapêutico do treinamento físico de corpo inteiro na dor lombar crônica (CNLBP) em atletas. Método Selecionamos 60 atletas com lombalgia crônica. Ao mesmo tempo, nós o dividimos em um grupo de controle e um grupo de observação. O grupo controle recebeu tratamento convencional e o grupo observação recebeu treinamento físico de corpo inteiro. Após dois meses, os indicadores fisiológicos relevantes dos pacientes foram comparados. Resultado após o tratamento, todos os índices fisiológicos dos dois grupos apresentam grandes diferenças. Conclusão O treinamento físico de corpo inteiro pode reduzir significativamente os sintomas de dor nas costas dos atletas e ajudar os atletas profissionais a voltarem a treinar regularmente. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos: investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción El dolor lumbar crónico (DPNG) se manifiesta como dolor lumbosacro y de cadera crónico que afecta el entrenamiento y la competición diaria de los deportistas. El entrenamiento deportivo de cuerpo entero puede mejorar significativamente la fuerza de los músculos centrales de la región lumbosacra y tiene ciertas ventajas en el tratamiento del dolor lumbar crónico. Objeto Estudiamos el efecto terapéutico del entrenamiento físico de cuerpo entero sobre el dolor lumbar crónico (CNLBP) de los deportistas. Método Seleccionamos a 60 deportistas con lumbalgia crónica. Al mismo tiempo, lo dividimos en un grupo de control y un grupo de observación. El grupo de control recibió tratamiento convencional y el grupo de observación recibió entrenamiento físico de cuerpo completo. Después de dos meses, se compararon los indicadores fisiológicos relevantes de los pacientes. Resultado después del tratamiento, todos los índices fisiológicos de los dos grupos tienen grandes diferencias. Conclusión El entrenamiento físico de todo el cuerpo puede reducir significativamente los síntomas de dolor de espalda de los atletas y ayudar a que los atletas profesionales vuelvan a entrenar regularmente. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos: investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Avaliação da adaptação da corrente interferencial nas formas bipolar e tetrapolar em mulheres com lombalgia crônica não específica: ensaio clínico cruzado / Evaluation of interferential current adaptation in bipolar and tetrapolar forms in women with chronic non-specific low back pain: cross-over clinical trial

INTRODUÇÃO: A corrente interferencial é uma modalidade bastante utilizada, porém, apresenta como fator limitante a quantidade de acomodações, o que é comum em eletroestimulação. Apesar de possuir alguns recursos que visam reduzir a adaptação fisiológica, não é totalmente eficaz; neste sentido, pode haver diferenças devido à técnica de uso. Assim, o presente estudo pretendeu analisar se há diferenças na adaptação para as formas bipolar ou tetrapolar em indivíduos com dor lombar crônica não específica. MÉTODOS: Ensaio clínico cruzado, composto por 15 voluntárias com dor lombar crônica não específica, as quais receberam terapia bipolar ou tetrapolar em semanas subsequentes. Foi explicado sobre a adaptação à corrente e o que deveria avisar quando ocorresse, e, desta forma, foi computado o número de vezes em que o fenômeno ocorreu, o tempo necessário até ocorrer a primeira adaptação, a intensidade inicial da corrente utilizada e o quanto aumentou-se após a primeira adaptação. RESULTADOS: Para nenhuma das variáveis analisadas, foi observada diferença significativa entre as duas técnicas (p>0,05). CONCLUSÃO: As técnicas analisadas não mostraram diferenças na adaptação em mulheres jovens com dor lombar não específica.

INTRODUCTION: The interferential current is a widely used modality; however, it presents as a limiting factor the amount of accommodation, which is common in electrostimulation. Despite having some resources that aim to reduce physiological adaptation, it is not fully effective in this sense, but there may be differences due to the technique of use. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze whether there are differences in the accommodation for bi- or tetrapolar forms in individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain. METHODS: Crossover clinical study, consisting of 15 volunteers with chronic nonspecific low back pain, who received bipolar or tetrapolar therapy in subsequent weeks. They were explained about the current accommodation and that they should be told when it occurred, and in this way, the number of times that the phenomenon occurred, the time needed until the first accommodation occurred, the initial intensity of the current used, and how much it increased after the first accommodation were computed. RESULTS: None of the variables analyzed had a significant difference between the two techniques (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The techniques analyzed showed no differences in accommodation in young women with nonspecific low back pain.

Use of healthcare services and therapeutic measures associated with new episodes of acute low back pain-related disability among elderly people: a cross-sectional study on the Back Complaints in the Elders - Brazil cohort

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Patients with low back pain frequently undergo a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, but some of these have uncertain effectiveness. This highlights the importance of the association of healthcare services and therapeutic measures relating to disability. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the use of healthcare services and therapeutic measures among Brazilian older adults with disability-related low back pain. DESIGN AND SETTING: Observational cross-sectional study on baseline assessment data from the Back Complaints in the Elders - Brazil (BACE-B) cohort. METHODS: The main analyses were based on a consecutive sample of 602 older adult participants in BACE-B (60 years of age and over). The main outcome measurement for disability-related low back pain was defined as a score of 14 points or more in the Roland Morris Questionnaire. RESULTS: Visits to doctors in the previous six weeks (odds ratio, OR = 1.82; 95% confidence interval, CI 1.22-2.71) and use of analgesics in the previous three months (OR = 1.57; 95% CI 1.07-2.31) showed statistically significant associations with disability-related low back pain. The probability of disability-related low back pain had an additive effect to the combination of use of healthcare services and therapeutic measures (OR = 2.57; 95% CI 1.52-4.36). The analyses showed that this association was significant among women, but not among men. CONCLUSIONS: Occurrence of the combined of consultations and medication use was correlated with higher chance of severe disability among these elderly people with nonspecific low back pain. This suggested that overuse and "crowding-in" effects were present in medical services for elderly people.

Terapia combinada para el tratamiento de la lumbalgia / Combination therapy for the treatment of low back pain

Introducción: El dolor lumbar es una de las afecciones que causa mayor índice de incapacidad, por lo que se ha señalado como una de las principales causas de invalidez laboral temporal o definitiva. Objetivo: Identificar las ventajas de la aplicación de ozono médico como terapia combinada en el tratamiento de pacientes con lumbalgia aguda. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio experimental de casos y controles donde cada grupo estuvo integrado por 50 pacientes mayores de 20 años de edad con diagnóstico de dolor lumbar, previo consentimiento informado. El grupo control recibió tratamiento con esquemas terapéuticos tradicionales según los consensos internacionales para el tratamiento del dolor lumbar agudo. En el caso de los pacientes del grupo de casos se adicionó ozono médico en tres sesiones semanales por vía rectal hasta completar 10 sesiones. Se utilizó la prueba de comparación de medias y de McNemar para identificar cambios en la intensidad del dolor y en la presencia y tipo de incapacidad. Resultados: Hubo un promedio de edad por encima de los 50 años, con predominio de pacientes femeninas. La intensidad del dolor al inicio del tratamiento se comportó como media de ambos grupos en 8,76 puntos, mientras que el 87 por ciento de los pacientes refirió algún tipo de discapacidad. Predominó la incapacidad moderada. Conclusiones: La aplicación de ozono médico combinado influyó positivamente en la disminución de la intensidad del dolor y en la presencia y tipo de incapacidad(AU)

Introduction: Low back pain is one of the conditions that generates the highest rate of disability, has been identified as one of the main causes of temporary and / or permanent work disability. Objective: To identify the advantages of the application of medical ozone as a combined therapy in the treatment of patients with acute low back pain. Methods: An experimental case-control study was carried out where each group consisted of 50 patients over 20 years of age with a diagnosis of low back pain. The control group received treatment with traditional therapeutic schemes according to international consensus for the treatment of acute low back pain, in the case of patients in the case group the use of medical ozone was added, in three weekly sessions rectally until completing 10 sessions. The comparison test of means and McNemar were used to identify changes in pain intensity and in the presence and type of disability. Results: Average age above 50 years with a predominance of female patients. The intensity of pain at the start of treatment behaved as an average of both groups at 8.76 points, while 87 percent of the patients reported some type of disability with a predominance of moderate disability. Conclusions: The application of combined medical ozone positively influenced the decrease in pain intensity and the presence and type of disability(AU)

Variação da resposta sintomática dolorosa na coluna lombar pela manipulação visceral / Variation of painful symptomatic response in the lumbar spine by visceral manipulation

Introdução: A manipulação visceral é atualmente um tratamento usado amplamente pelos osteopatas no mundo, contudo, sua base de mecanismos ainda é pouco esclarecida, havendo certa escassez de pesquisas publicadas sobre tais intervenções. O conceito para o tratamento se baseia na ação sobre aderências fáscias que supostamente afetam a hemodinâmica visceral, desregulação autonômica, fatores psicossomáticos e ptose visceral, repercutindo de maneira direta no bom funcionamento das demais estruturas do corpo. Objetivo: O estudo tem como objetivo mensurar as variações imediatas da resposta sintomática dolorosa por pressão na coluna lombar pela manipulação visceral. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo experimental, com abordagem longitudinal e caráter quantitativo. Constituído por amostra de doze indivíduos divididos em G1 (uso de manipulação visceral), G2 (uso de placebo) e uso do algômetro de pressão nos músculos paravertebrais corresponde ao nível topográfico da quinta vértebra lombar. Para análise estatística dos dados obtidos, foi aplicado o teste t de Student para amostras pareadas no software Bioestat. Além disso, o nível de rejeição da hipótese de nulidade foi estabelecido em 0,05 ou 5%. Resultados: Obteve-se relevância em um ponto de vista estatístico na análise do grupo submetido a manipulação visceral. Quando comparado a outras evidências recentes, os resultados obtidos pelo estudo revelam dados condizentes. Conclusão: Os resultados deste estudo fornecem informações confiáveis que vão nortear a futura utilização da manipulação visceral na dor lombar crônica, mostrando bom prognóstico em curto prazo. (AU)

Introduction: Visceral manipulation is currently a treatment widely used by osteopaths worldwide, however, its basis of mechanisms is still poorly understood, and there is a lack of published research on such interventions. The concept for treatment is based on the action on fascia adhesions that supposedly affect visceral hemodynamics, autonomic dysregulation, psychosomatic factors, and visceral ptosis, directly affecting the proper functioning of other body structures. Objective: This study aimed to measure the immediate variations in the symptomatic painful response to pressure in the lumbar spine by visceral manipulation. Methods: This is an experimental study, with a longitudinal approach and quantitative character. Consisting of a sample of twelve individuals divided into G1 (use of visceral manipulation), G2 (use of placebo) and use of the pressure algometer in the paravertebral muscles corresponds to the topographic level of the fifth lumbar vertebra. For statistical analysis of the data obtained, the Student's t test was applied to paired samples using the Bioestat software. In addition, the level of rejection of the null hypothesis was set at 0.05 or 5%. Results: Relevance was obtained from a statistical point of view in the analysis of the groups submitted to visceral manipulation. When compared to other recent evidence, the results obtained by the study reveal consistent data. Conclusion: The results of this study provide reliable information that will guide the future use of visceral manipulation in chronic low back pain, showing a good prognosis in the short term. (AU)

Resultados de una cohorte de pacientes tratados con osteopatía en un hospital polivalente / Results of a cohort of patients treated with osteopathy in a polivalent hospital

Introducción: la osteopatía aborda al paciente de manera global y aplica técnicas de tratamiento manual. Se realizó una evaluación retrospectiva sobre 447 pacientes para conocer los resultados del tratamiento del dolor lumbar y cervical. Material y métodos: fueron incluidos en este estudio 447 pacientes con diagnóstico de lumbalgia y cervicalgia (77,4% de sexo femenino). Los pacientes atendidos ya habían realizado tratamientos convencionales sin haber conseguido resultados satisfactorios. Se evaluó a los pacientes con la escala de valor numérico de dolor (EVN), y los puntajes (scores) de Oswestry (ODI) y el índice de discapacidad de la región cervical (NDI). Los 4 osteópatas intervinientes son profesionales certificados en esta disciplina. Resultados: el 42,8% de los pacientes fueron derivados por el Servicio de Traumatología y el 41,3% por el Servicio de Medicina Familiar. El 34,2% tuvieron diagnóstico de dolor lumbar y al 20,81% se le diagnosticó dolor cervical. Tanto en la valoración del dolor como en los scores utilizados se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre la primera y la última sesión. Discusión: en pacientes con diagnóstico de lumbalgia y cervicalgia que no habían obtenido resultados satisfactorios con tratamientos convencionales previos, el tratamiento osteopático derivó en mejoras significativas en todos los parámetros estudiados. (AU)

Introduction: osteopathy addresses the patient globally and applies manual treatment techniques. A retrospective evaluation was carried out on 447 patients to know the results of the treatment of lumbar and cervical pain. Material and methods: 447 patients with a diagnosis of low back pain and cervical pain (77.4% female) were included in this study. The patients already had undergone conventional treatments without having achieved satisfactory results. The patients were evaluated with the numerical value of pain scale (VNS), and Oswestry scores (ODI) and the index of disability of the cervical region (NDI). The 4 intervening osteopaths are certified professionals in this discipline. Results: 42.8% of the patients were referred by the Traumatology Service and 41.3% by the Family Medicine Service. 34.2% had a diagnosis of lumbar pain and 20.8% were diagnosed with neck pain. Statistically significant differences were found between the first and last sessions in both the pain assessment and the scores used. Discussion: in patients with low back pain and neck pain who had not obtained satisfactory results with previous conventional treatments, osteopathic treatment resulted in significant improvements in all the parameters evaluated. (AU)

MINDFULNESS: uma terapia complementar na dor crônica / MINDFULNESS: a complementary therapy for chronic pain

Um dos grandes desafios da Dor Crônica é o impacto negativo sobre os aspectos físicos e emocionais do indivíduo, frequentemente associado com depressão, ansiedade e incapacidade física. Terapias baseadas em práticas meditativas vem sendo estudadas e possuem resultados promissores no controle da dor crônica. Os objetivos deste estudo são verificar na literatura se as Intervenções Baseadas em Mindfulness (IBM`s) apresentam eficácia no tratamento da dor crônica e destacar quais ferramentas podem ser utilizadas na prática clínica. Com a introdução do Mindfulness na medicina, criaram-se intervenções baseadas nesta prática para que pudessem ser aplicadas na clínica. Com isso, diversos estudos nos últimos 20 anos foram desenvolvidos com o objetivo de avaliar alterações morfológicas no cérebro de pacientes após a prática de IBM`s. As evidências indicam que ser mais "mindful" é uma tendência natural ou um resultado de uma prática profunda. A efetividade das IBM`s na dor crônica depende da prática intensa ou da personalidade do paciente. Apesar de ainda não haver um consenso sobre as práticas baseadas em Mindfulness, atualmente existem evidências moderadas de que podem ser utilizadas como uma terapia complementar ao tratamento convencional em pacientes portadores de dores crônicas.

One of the major challenges of Chronic Pain is the physical and emotional negative impact of the individual, often associated with depression, anxiety and physical disability. Therapies based on meditative practices have been studied and have promising results in the control of chronic pain. The aims of this study were to verify in the literature whether Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBI`s) are effective in treating chronic pain and which tools can be used in the clinical practice. With the introduction of Mindfulness in medicine, interventions based on this practice were created so that they could be applied in the clinic. Thus, several studies over the last 20 years have been developed to evaluate morphological changes in the brain of patients after the practice of MBI`s. Evidence indicates that being more "mindful" is a natural tendency or a result of deep practice. The effectiveness of IBM's in chronic pain depends on the patient's intense practice or personality. Although there is still no consensus on Mindfulness-based practices, there is currently moderate evidence that they can be used as a complementary therapy to conventional treatment in patients with chronic pain.

Uso das técnicas de acupuntura para tratamento da dor lombar crônica não específica no Brasil: revisão integrativa da literatura / Use of acupuncture techniques for the treatment of chronic non-specific low back pain in Brazil: an integrative literature review

A acupuntura representa uma prática complementar de intervenção em saúde que aborda de modo integral e dinâmico o processo saúde-doença no ser humano, podendo ser usada isoladamente ou de forma integrada com outros recursos terapêuticos. Esta investigação consiste em uma revisão integrativa da literatura, realizada com o objetivo de analisar as evidências científicas acerca do uso de técnicas de acupuntura para o tratamento da lombalgia crônica não específica no Brasil. Para a elaboração da presente revisão integrativa, foram seguidas seis etapas: elaboração da questão norteadora; amostragem; extração dos dados dos estudos primários; avaliação dos estudos primários incluídos na revisão; análise e síntese dos resultados; apresentação da revisão integrativa. A busca nas bases de dados resultou, inicialmente, em 3552 estudos; desse total, nove (0,25%) estudos foram incluídos nesta revisão, atendendo aos critérios de inclusão. Um artigo foi publicado em 2006; um artigo foi publicado em 2015; um artigo foi publicado em 2016; dois artigos foram publicados em 2018 e quatro artigos foram publicados em 2020. Quanto ao tipo de população, um estudo foi realizado com idosos; um, com gestantes; um, com funcionários de uma cadeia pública feminina e seis estudos foram realizados com adultos entre 18 e 80 anos, todos portadores de lombalgia crônica não específica, no Brasil. Quanto ao nível de evidência, cinco estudos (56%) foram classificados no nível de evidências II por representarem estudos clínicos randomizados controlados e quatro estudos (44%) foram provenientes de ensaios clínicos não-randomizados, sendo classificados no nível de evidências III. Observou-se que a maioria dos estudos foram realizados utilizando a técnica de acupuntura sistêmica, seguida pela técnica de eletroacupuntura, acupuntura auricular e ventosaterapia. Os resultados de todos os estudos demonstraram a efetividade das técnicas de acupuntura para o tratamento da lombalgia crônica não específica, indicando melhora da intensidade da dor, da amplitude dos movimentos da região lombar e do quadro emocional geral do paciente, como diminuição de estresse e sintomas de ansiedade e depressão. Apesar da identificação da efetividade da acupuntura para o tratamento da lombalgia crônica não específica, considera-se fundamental a realização de um maior número de estudos clínicos baseados na utilização de protocolos rigorosos e internacionalmente reconhecidos para o uso destas práticas complementares, no intuito de comprovar a eficácia destes métodos de tratamento principalmente para o alívio da dor, na perspectiva da integralidade da saúde

Acupuncture represents a complementary practice of health intervention that comprehensively and dynamically addresses the health-disease process in humans, and can be used alone or in an integrated way with other therapeutic methods. This investigation consists of an integrative literature review, carried out with the aim of analyzing the scientific evidence about the use of acupuncture techniques for the treatment of chronic non-specific low back pain in Brazil. For the elaboration of this integrative review, six steps were followed: elaboration of the guiding question; sampling; extraction of data from primary studies; evaluation of the primary studies included in the review; analysis and synthesis of the results; presentation of the integrative review. The search in the databases resulted, initially, in 3552 studies; of this total, nine (0.25%) studies were included in this review, considering the inclusion criteria. One article was published in 2006; one article was published in 2015; one article was published in 2016; two articles were published in 2018 and four articles were published in 2020. As for the type of population, a study was carried out with the elderly; one, with pregnant women; one, with employees of a female public chain and six studies were carried out with adults between 18 and 80 years old, all with chronic non-specific low back pain, in Brazil. Related the level of evidence, five studies (56%) were classified at level of evidence II because they represented randomized controlled clinical trials and four studies (44%) came from non-randomized controlled clinical trials and were classified at level III of evidence. It was observed that most studies were carried out using the systemic acupuncture technique, followed by the electroacupuncture, auricular acupuncture technique and suction therapy. The results of all studies demonstrated the effectiveness of acupuncture techniques for the treatment of chronic non-specific low back pain, indicating improvement in pain intensity, range of motion in the lower back and the patient's general emotional condition, such as reduced stress and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Despite the identification of the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of chronic non-specific low back pain, it is considered essential to carry out a greater number of clinical studies based on the use of rigorous and internationally recognized protocols for the use of these complementary practices, in order to prove the effectiveness of these treatment methods mainly for pain relief, from the perspective of comprehensive health