The effectiveness of physical and organisational ergonomic interventions on low back pain and neck pain: a systematic review

AbstractThis article describes the process and outcome of a systematic review that evaluated the effectiveness of workplace rehabilitation interventions for work-related low back pain (LBP). Between 1982 and 2005 CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and AMED databases were searched for studies of interventions that were provided at the workplace for workers with LBP. Using methodological quality appraisal 5 reviewers scrutinised the articles. A total of 1224 articles were reviewed and 15 articles, consisting of 10 studies, were deemed of sufficient quality to be included. The best evidence was clinical interventions with occupational interventions, as well as early return to work/modified work interventions, were effective in returning workers to work earlier, reducing pain and disability, and decreasing the rate of back injuries. Ergonomic interventions were also found to be effective workplace interventions.

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Efficacy of spinal manipulation and mobilization for low back pain and neck pain: a systematic review and best evidence synthesis

The Spine Journal ◽

10.1016/j.spinee.2003.06.002 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

pp. 335-356 ◽

Cited By ~ 363

Author(s):

Gert Bronfort ◽

Mitchell Haas ◽

Roni L. Evans ◽

Lex M. Bouter

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Low Back Pain ◽

Back Pain ◽

Neck Pain ◽

Spinal Manipulation ◽

Evidence Synthesis ◽

Low Back ◽

Best Evidence Synthesis

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Are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs effective for the management of neck pain and associated disorders, whiplash-associated disorders, or non-specific low back pain? A systematic review of systematic reviews by the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management (OPTIMa) Collaboration

European Spine Journal ◽

10.1007/s00586-015-3891-4 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

pp. 34-61 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Jessica J. Wong ◽

Pierre Côté ◽

Arthur Ameis ◽

Sharanya Varatharajan ◽

Thepikaa Varatharajan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Low Back Pain ◽

Back Pain ◽

Neck Pain ◽

Systematic Reviews ◽

Low Back ◽

Injury Management ◽

Traffic Injury ◽

Inflammatory Drugs ◽

Whiplash Associated Disorders

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Are neuromuscular adaptations present in people with recurrent spinal pain during a period of remission? a systematic review

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0249220 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. e0249220

Author(s):

Valter Devecchi ◽

Alison B. Rushton ◽

Alessio Gallina ◽

Nicola R. Heneghan ◽

Deborah Falla

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Low Back Pain ◽

Back Pain ◽

Neck Pain ◽

Muscle Activity ◽

Spinal Pain ◽

Low Back ◽

Spine Kinematics ◽

Neuromuscular Adaptations ◽

Recurrent Low Back Pain

A plethora of evidence supports the existence of neuromuscular changes in people with chronic spinal pain (neck and low back pain), yet it is unclear whether neuromuscular adaptations persist for people with recurrent spinal pain when in a period of remission. This systematic review aimed to synthesise the evidence on neuromuscular adaptations in people with recurrent spinal pain during a period of remission. Electronic databases, grey literature, and key journals were searched from inception up to the 4th of September 2020. Eligibility criteria included observational studies investigating muscle activity, spine kinematics, muscle properties, sensorimotor control, and neuromuscular performance in adults (≥ 18 years) with recurrent spinal pain during a period of remission. Screening, data extraction, and quality assessment (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale) were conducted independently by two reviewers. Data synthesis was conducted per outcome domain. A meta-analysis with a random-effects model was performed where possible. The overall strength of evidence was rated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines (GRADE). From 8292 records, 27 and five studies were included in a qualitative and quantitative synthesis, respectively. Very low level of evidence supports muscle activity changes in people with recurrent low back pain, especially greater co-contraction, redistribution of muscle activity, and delayed postural control of deeper trunk muscles. Reduced range of motion of the lumbar spine was also found. Meaningful conclusions regarding other outcome domains or people with recurrent neck pain could not be drawn. In conclusion, people with recurrent low back pain during a period of remission show muscle activity and spine kinematics adaptations. Future research should investigate the long-term impact of these changes, as well as adaptations in people with recurrent neck pain.

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Therapeutic Ultrasound for Pain Management in Chronic Low Back Pain and Chronic Neck Pain: A Systematic Review

Pain Medicine ◽

10.1093/pm/pny287 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 21 (7) ◽

pp. 1482-1493 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Selaiman A Noori ◽

Abdullah Rasheed ◽

Rohit Aiyer ◽

Boyoun Jung ◽

Nitin Bansal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Low Back Pain ◽

Back Pain ◽

Pain Relief ◽

Neck Pain ◽

Pain Intensity ◽

Therapeutic Ultrasound ◽

Treatment Modalities ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Low Back

Background Low back pain (LBP) and neck pain are major causes of pain and disability that are experienced across all ages. The primary goals of treatment are to improve patient function and facilitate a return to the patient’s desired level of daily activity. Therapeutic ultrasound is a noninvasive modality widely utilized in the management of musculoskeletal disorders, but there continues to be controversy regarding its use due to insufficient evidence of effectiveness. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic ultrasound in the management of patients with chronic LBP and neck pain. Methods Using PRISMA guidelines, a search of the PubMed and CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library) databases was performed to retrieve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated therapeutic ultrasound in patients with chronic LBP or neck pain. Results The search strategy identified 10 trials that met the criteria for inclusion. Three studies in LBP reported that both therapeutic and sham (placebo) ultrasound provided significant improvement in pain intensity. In each of these studies, ultrasound was found to be more effective than placebo when using only one of several validated instruments to measure pain. Three of the four studies on neck pain demonstrated significant pain relief with ultrasound in combination with other treatment modalities. However, only one of these studies demonstrated that the use of ultrasound was the cause of the statistically significant improvement in pain intensity. Conclusions Therapeutic ultrasound is frequently used in the treatment of LBP and neck pain and is often combined with other physiotherapeutic modalities. However, given the paucity of trials and conflicting results, we cannot recommend the use of monotherapeutic ultrasound for chronic LBP or neck pain. It does seem that ultrasound may be considered as part of a physical modality treatment plan that may be potentially helpful for short-term pain relief; however, it is undetermined which modality may be superior. In both pain syndromes, further trials are needed to define the true effect of low-intensity ultrasound therapy for axial back pain. No conclusive recommendations may be made for optimal settings or session duration.

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