Predictors and consequences of long-term pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain: a longitudinal follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a multifactorial condition, which can be mentally and physically compromising both during and after pregnancy. However, long-term pregnancy-related PGP has been poorly investigated. This longitudinal follow-up study uniquely aimed to describe prevalence and predictors of PGP and its consequences on women's health and function up to 11 years after pregnancy. METHODS/DESIGN: A postal questionnaire was sent to 530 women who participated in 1 of 3 randomized controlled studies for PGP in pregnancy. Women who reported experiencing lumbopelvic pain were offered a clinical examination. Main outcome measure was the presence of long term PGP as assessed by an independent examiner. Secondary outcomes were: working hours/week, function (the Disability Rating Index, and Oswestry Disability Index), self-efficacy (the General Self-Efficacy Scale), HRQL (Euro-Qol 5D and EQ-Visual scale), anxiety and depression, (Hospital anxiety and depression scale,) and pain-catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Scale), in women with PGP compared to women with no PGP. RESULTS: A total of 371/530 (70 %) women responded and 37/ 371 (10 %) were classified with long-term PGP. Pregnancy-related predictors for long-term PGP were number of positive pain provocation tests (OR = 1.79), history of low back pain (LBP) (OR = 2.28), positive symphysis pressure test (OR = 2.01), positive Faber (Patrick's) test (OR = 2.22), and positive modified Trendelenburg test (OR = 2.20). Women with PGP had significantly decreased ability to perform daily activities (p < .001), lower self-efficacy (p = 0.046), decreased HRQL (p < .001), higher levels of anxiety and depression (p < .001), were more prone to pain catastrophizing, and worked significantly fewer hours/week (p = 0.032) compared to women with no PGP. CONCLUSIONS: This unique long-term follow up of PGP highlights the importance of assessment of pain in the lumbopelvic area early in pregnancy and postpartum in order to identify women with risk of long term pain. One of 10 women with PGP in pregnancy has severe consequences up to 11 years later. They could be identified by number of positive pain provocation tests and experience of previous LBP. Access to evidence based treatments are important for individual and socioeconomic reasons.

Effects of craniosacral therapy as adjunct to standard treatment for pelvic girdle pain in pregnant women: a multicenter, single blind, randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a disabling condition affecting 30% of pregnant women. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of craniosacral therapy as an adjunct to standard treatment compared with standard treatment alone for PGP during pregnancy. DESIGN: Randomized, multicenter, single blind, controlled trial. SETTING: University hospital, a private clinic and 26 maternity care centers in Gothenburg, Sweden. POPULATION: A total of 123 pregnant women with PGP. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to standard treatment (control group, n = 60) or standard treatment plus craniosacral therapy (intervention group, n = 63). PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: pain intensity (visual analog scale 0-100 mm) and sick leave. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: function (Oswestry Disability Index), health-related quality of life (European Quality of Life measure), unpleasantness of pain (visual analog scale), and assessment of the severity of PGP by an independent examiner. RESULTS: Between-group differences for morning pain, symptom-free women and function in the last treatment week were in favor of the intervention group. Visual analog scale median was 27 mm (95% confidence interval 24.6-35.9) vs. 35 mm (95% confidence interval 33.5-45.7) (p = 0.017) and the function disability index was 40 (range 34-46) vs. 48 (range 40-56) (p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Lower morning pain intensity and less deteriorated function was seen after craniosacral therapy in conjunction with standard treatment compared with standard treatment alone, but no effects regarding evening pain and sick-leave. Treatment effects were small and clinically questionable and conclusions should be drawn carefully. Further studies are warranted before recommending craniosacral therapy for PGP.

High degree of kinesiophobia after lumbar disc herniation surgery: a cross-sectional study of 84 patients .

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Several studies have investigated outcomes after disc surgery. However, the occurrence of kinesiophobia has not been investigated previously in patients after disc herniation surgery. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated kinesiophobia in patients who had been treated surgically for lumbar disc herniation, and we related the results to established outcome measures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 10-34 months after surgery, questionnaires were sent to 97 patients who had undergone standardized open discectomy. Outcome measures included Tampa scale for kinesiophobia (TSK); Oswestry disability index (ODI); European quality of life in 5 dimensions (EQ-5D); visual analog scale (VAS) for leg and back pain, work disability, and patient satisfaction; Zung self-rating depression scale (ZDS); pain catastrophizing scale (PCS); and a self-efficacy scale (SES). RESULTS: 36 of 80 patients reported having kinesiophobia. There were statistically significant differences in ODI, EQ-5D, VAS leg and back pain, ZDS, PCS, and SES between patients with and without kinesiophobia. INTERPRETATION: Half of the patients suffered from kinesiophobia 10-34 months after surgery for disc herniation. These patients were more disabled, had more pain, more catastrophizing thoughts, more symptoms of depression, lower self-efficacy, and poorer health-related quality of life than patients without kinesiophobia.

Impact of postpartum lumbopelvic pain on disability, pain intensity, health-related quality of life, activity level, kinesiophobia, and depressive symptoms.

The majority of women recover from pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain within 3 months of delivery. Since biomechanical and hormonal changes from pregnancy are largely reversed by 3 months postpartum, consequently, it is assumed that other factors might interfere with recovery. Relative to the fear-avoidance model and with reference to previous studies, we chose to investigate some pre-decided factors to understand persistent lumbopelvic pain. The evaluation of lumbopelvic pain postpartum is mostly based on self-administered questionnaires or interviews. Clinical classification of the lumbopelvic pain may increase our knowledge about postpartum subgroups. Two hundred and seventy-two consecutively registered pregnant women evaluated at 3 months postpartum, answered questionnaires concerning disability (Oswestry disability index), pain intensity on visual analog scale, health-related quality of life (HRQL, EQ5D), activity level, depressive symptoms (Edinburgh postnatal Depression Scale) and kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia). Women were classified into lumbopelvic pain subgroups according to mechanical assessment of the lumbar spine, pelvic pain provocation tests, standard history, and pain drawings. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to explain the variance of disability. Thirty-three percent of postpartum women were classified with lumbopelvic pain; 40% reported moderate to severe disability. The impacts were similar among subgroups. Pain intensity, HRQL and kinesiophobia explained 53% of postpartum disability due to lumbopelvic pain. In conclusion, one of three postpartum women still had some lumbopelvic pain and the impacts were equivalent irrespective of symptoms in lumbar or pelvic areas. The additional explanations of variance in disability by HRQL and kinesiophobia were minor, suggesting that pain intensity was the major contributing factor.

Posterior pelvic pain provocation test is negative in patients with lumbar herniated discs.

The classification of pelvic girdle pain can only be reached after lumbar causes have been excluded by a clinical examination. During clinical examination, the posterior pelvic pain provocation test is a well-established method for verifying pelvic girdle pain. However, a criticism of pelvic pain provocation tests is that they may have an effect on lumbar structures, thus yielding false-positive results. The posterior pelvic pain provocation test was performed with four groups of patients: patients with computed tomography-verified disc herniations (1) on the waiting list for surgery (14 women; 9 men); (2) 6 weeks after disc surgery (18 women, 12 men); (3) pregnant women seeking care for pelvic girdle pain (n = 25); and (4) women with persistent pelvic girdle pain after delivery (n = 32). The sensitivity of the posterior pelvic pain provocation test was 0.88 and the specificity was 0.89. The positive predictive value was 0.89 and the negative predictive value was 0.87. Analysis of only women showed similar results. In our study, the posterior pelvic pain provocation test was negative in patients with a well-defined lumbar diagnosis of lumbar disc herniation, both before and after disc surgery. Our results are an important step toward the more accurate classification of lumbopelvic pain.

Treatments of pelvic girdle pain in pregnant women: adverse effects of standard treatment, acupuncture and stabilising exercises on the pregnancy, mother, delivery and the fetus/neonate.

BACKGROUND: Previous publications indicate that acupuncture is efficient for the treatment of pelvic girdle pain, PGP, in pregnant women. However, the use of acupuncture for PGP is rare due to insufficient documentation of adverse effects of this treatment in this specific condition. The aim of the present work was to assess adverse effects of acupuncture on the pregnancy, mother, delivery and the fetus/neonate in comparison with women that received stabilising exercises as adjunct to standard treatment or standard treatment alone. METHODS: In all, 386 women with PGP entered this controlled, single-blind trial. They were randomly assigned to standard treatment plus acupuncture (n = 125), standard treatment plus specific stabilising exercises (n = 131) or to standard treatment alone (n = 130) for 6 weeks. Acupuncture that may be considered strong was used and treatment was started as early as in the second trimester of pregnancy. Adverse effects were recorded during treatment and throughout the pregnancy. Influence on the fetus was measured with cardiotocography (CTG) before-during and after 43 acupuncture sessions in 43 women. A standardised computerized method to analyze the CTG reading numerically (Oxford 8000, Oxford, England) was used. After treatment, the women rated their overall experience of the treatment and listed adverse events if any in a questionnaire. Data of analgesia and oxytocin augmentation during labour, duration of labour, frequency of preterm birth, operative delivery, Apgar score, cord-blood gas/acid base balance and birth weight were also recorded. RESULTS: There were no serious adverse events after any of the treatments. Minor adverse events were common in the acupuncture group but women rated acupuncture favourably even despite this. The computerized or visually assessed CTG analyses of antenatal recordings in connection with acupuncture were all normal. CONCLUSION: This study shows that acupuncture administered with a stimulation that may be considered strong led to minor adverse complaints from the mothers but had no observable severe adverse influences on the pregnancy, mother, delivery or the fetus/neonate.

Predicting persistent pregnancy-related low back pain.

STUDY DESIGN: A cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To examine the course of subtypes of low back pain (LBP) experienced [no LBP, pelvic girdle pain (PGP), lumbar pain, and combined PGP and lumbar pain (combined pain)] during gestational weeks 12 to 18 and 3 months postpartum, and to explore potential predictors for persistent PGP or combined pain postpartum. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: LBP is more prevalent in pregnant women (25%) than in the general population (6.3%). Persistent LBP postpartum (16%) is usually studied as a single entity. However, only one subgroup of LBP, pelvic girdle pain (PGP), is associated with pregnancy. Several studies have suggested an association between muscular dysfunction and pregnancy-related LBP, however, muscle dysfunction has not been evaluated as potential predictor of persistent LBP postpartum. Possible subgroup differences in the course and predictors of persistent LBP are unknown. METHODS: Pregnant women (n = 308) were classified into LBP subgroups by mechanical assessment of the lumbar spine, pelvic pain provocation tests, standard history, and pain drawings. Trunk muscle endurance, hip muscle strength (dynamometer) and gait speed were evaluated. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify predictors from self-reports and clinical examination. RESULTS: Women with combined pain recovered to a lower degree 33% (17 of 51) than those with PGP 66% (56 of 85) or lumbar pain 72% (21 of 29). Predictors for having persistent PGP or combined pain after delivery were low endurance of back flexors, older age, combined pain in early pregnancy and work dissatisfaction (explained variance 30%). CONCLUSION: Women with combined pain were identified to be a target group since they had the most unfavorable course and since the classification of combined pain was found to be a predictor for persistent pain postpartum. Identification of women at risk for persistent pain postpartum seems possible in early pregnancy and requires physical examination and self-reports. Pregnancy had low impact on the course of lumbar pain.

Association between muscle function and low back pain in relation to pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of muscle function and subgroups of low back pain (no low back pain, pelvic girdle pain, lumbar pain and combined pelvic girdle pain and lumbar pain) in relation to pregnancy. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SUBJECTS: Consecutively enrolled pregnant women seen in gestational weeks 12-18 (n = 301) and 3 months postpartum (n = 262). METHODS: Classification into subgroups by means of mechanical assessment of the lumbar spine, pelvic pain provocation tests, standard history and a pain drawing. Trunk muscle endurance, hip muscle strength (dynamometer) and gait speed were investigated. RESULTS: In pregnancy 116 women had no low back pain, 33% (n = 99) had pelvic girdle pain, 11% (n = 32) had lumbar pain and 18% (n = 54) had combined pelvic girdle pain and lumbar pain. The prevalence of pelvic girdle pain/combined pelvic girdle pain and lumbar pain decreased postpartum, whereas the prevalence of lumbar pain remained stable. Women with pelvic girdle pain and/or combined pelvic girdle pain and lumbar pain had lower values for trunk muscle endurance, hip extension and gait speed as compared to women without low back pain in pregnancy and postpartum (p < 0.001-0.04). Women with pelvic girdle pain throughout the study had lower values of back flexor endurance compared with women without low back pain. CONCLUSION: Muscle dysfunction was associated with pelvic girdle pain, which should be taken into consideration when developing treatment strategies and preventive measures.

European guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic girdle pain.

A guideline on pelvic girdle pain (PGP) was developed by "Working Group 4" within the framework of the COST ACTION B13 "Low back pain: guidelines for its management", issued by the European Commission, Research Directorate-General, Department of Policy, Coordination and Strategy. To ensure an evidence-based approach, three subgroups were formed to explore: (a) basic information, (b) diagnostics and epidemiology, and (c) therapeutical interventions. The progress of the subgroups was discussed at each meeting and the final report is based on group consensus. A grading system was used to denote the strength of the evidence, based on the AHCPR Guidelines (1994) and levels of evidence recommended in the method guidelines of the Cochrane Back Review group. It is concluded that PGP is a specific form of low back pain (LBP) that can occur separately or in conjunction with LBP. PGP generally arises in relation to pregnancy, trauma, arthritis and/or osteoarthritis. Uniform definitions are proposed for PGP as well as for joint stability. The point prevalence of pregnant women suffering from PGP is about 20%. Risk factors for developing PGP during pregnancy are most probably a history of previous LBP, and previous trauma to the pelvis. There is agreement that non risk factors are: contraceptive pills, time interval since last pregnancy, height, weight, smoking, and most probably age. PGP can be diagnosed by pain provocation tests (P4/thigh thrust, Patrick's Faber, Gaenslen's test, and modified Trendelenburg's test) and pain palpation tests (long dorsal ligament test and palpation of the symphysis). As a functional test, the active straight leg raise (ASLR) test is recommended. Mobility (palpation) tests, X-rays, CT, scintigraphy, diagnostic injections and diagnostic external pelvic fixation are not recommended. MRI may be used to exclude ankylosing spondylitis and in the case of positive red flags. The recommended treatment includes adequate information and reassurance of the patient, individualized exercises for pregnant women and an individualized multifactorial treatment program for other patients. We recommend medication (excluding pregnant women), if necessary, for pain relief. Recommendations are made for future research on PGP.

Pelvic girdle pain and lumbar pain in pregnancy: a cohort study of the consequences in terms of health and functioning.

STUDY DESIGN: A cohort study in pregnancy. OBJECTIVES: To differentiate between pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain (PPGP) and lumbar pain, and to study the prevalence of each syndrome and its consequences in terms of pain, functioning, and health. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: When studying prevalence, etiology, and consequences, differentiation between PPGP and lumbar pain is important, and, to our knowledge, its consequences for functioning and health during pregnancy have not previously been studied. METHODS: All women answered questionnaires (demographic data, EuroQol). Women with lumbopelvic pain completed the Oswestry Disability Index, pain intensity measures, in addition to undergoing a mechanical assessment of the lumbar spine, pain provocation tests, and active straight leg raising test. RESULTS: Of 313 women, 194 had lumbopelvic pain. The PPGP subgroup comprised 54% of those women with lumbopelvic pain, lumbar pain 17%, and combined PPGP and lumbar pain 29%. Women having both PPGP and lumbar pain reported the highest consequences in terms of health and functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Pain intensity, disability, and health measurements differentiate subgroups of lumbopelvic pain in pregnancy.

Effects of acupuncture and stabilising exercises as adjunct to standard treatment in pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain: randomised single blind controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of standard treatment, standard treatment plus acupuncture, and standard treatment plus stabilising exercises for pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. DESIGN: Randomised single blind controlled trial. Settings East Hospital, Gothenburg, and 27 maternity care centres in Sweden. PARTICIPANTS: 386 pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain. INTERVENTIONS: Treatment for six weeks with standard treatment (n = 130), standard treatment plus acupuncture (n = 125), or standard treatment plus stabilising exercises (n = 131). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome measure was pain (visual analogue scale); secondary outcome measure was assessment of severity of pelvic girdle pain by an independent examiner before and after treatment. RESULTS: After treatment the stabilising exercise group had less pain than the standard group in the morning (median difference = 9, 95% confidence interval 1.7 to 12.8; P = 0.0312) and in the evening (13, 2.7 to 17.5; P = 0.0245). The acupuncture group, in turn, had less pain in the evening than the stabilising exercise group (-14, -18.1 to -3.3; P = 0.0130). Furthermore, the acupuncture group had less pain than the standard treatment group in the morning (12, 5.9 to 17.3; P < 0.001) and in the evening (27, 13.3 to 29.5; P < 0.001). Attenuation of pelvic girdle pain as assessed by the independent examiner was greatest in the acupuncture group. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture and stabilising exercises constitute efficient complements to standard treatment for the management of pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. Acupuncture was superior to stabilising exercises in this study.