Prevalence and Factors Associated with Chronic Low Back Pain in the Mining Sector in Burkina Faso

Introduction: Low back pain is nowadays a real public health problem in companies. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with chronic low back pain among workers of a mining company in Burkina Faso. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with a retrospective collection that took place from August 1, 2021 to March 16, 2022 in a gold mine in Burkina Faso. It focused on mine workers who participated in the 2019 annual medical visit. Results: Out of a total workforce of 880 workers who took part in the annual medical visit in 2019, 165 had chronic common low back pain, i.e. a prevalence of 18.75%. The average age of low back pain workers was 37.21 ± 7.5 years. Among the workers suffering from low back pain, 62 (37.58%) held the position of machine operator. Clinically, mechanical pain was found in 113 low back pain workers (76%) and twenty-nine (17.58%) had radicular pain. Standard radiography of the lumbar spine was abnormal in 129 workers (78.18%. In the univariate analysis, the factors associated with the pathology were sex, level of study, work station and seniority in the position. After a logistic regression, the factors associated with its occurrence were whole-body vibration (Fisher’s test = 12.7541;P = 0.000), male sex (Fisher’s test = 8.363;P = 0.004), and seniority for 4 to 5 years (Chi2 = 4.0234;p = 0.046). Conclusion: The study reveals the existence of chronic low back pain cases among the workers of the mining company. There is a predominance of the pathology in men, workers exposed to vibrations and those with a seniority of 4 to 5 years. It is necessary to establish a policy of prevention of low back pain for the benefit of workers, in particular those exposed to vibrations.

Botulinum toxin type A for treating chronic low back pain:A double blinded randomized control study

BACKGROUND Low back pain(LBP)is a prevalent issue that orthopedic surgeons frequently address in the outpatient setting.LBP can arise from various causes,with stiffness in the paraspinal muscles being a notable contributor.The administration of Botulinum toxin type A(BoNT-A)has been found to alleviate back pain by relaxing these stiff muscles.While BoNT-A is approved for use in numerous conditions,a limited number of randomized clinical trials(RCTs)validate its efficacy specifically for treating LBP.AIM To study the safety and the efficacy of BoNT-A in minimizing pain and improving functional outcomes in patients of chronic LBP(CLBP).METHODS In this RCT,adults aged 18-60 years with mechanical LBP persisting for at least six months were enrolled.Participants were allocated to either the Drug group,receiving 200 Ipsen Units(2 mL)of BoNT-A,or the Control group,which received a 2 mL placebo.Over a 2-month follow-up period,both groups were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale(VAS)for pain intensity and the Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)for disability at the start and conclusion of the study.A decrease in pain by 50%was deemed clinically significant.RESULTS The study followed 40 patients for two months,with 20 in each group.A clinically significant reduction in pain was observed in 36 participants.There was a statistically significant decrease in both VAS and ODI scores in the groups at the end of two months.Nonetheless,when comparing the mean score changes,only the reduction in ODI scores(15 in the placebo group vs 16.5 in the drug group,clinically insignificant)was statistically significant(P=0.012),whereas the change in mean VAS scores was not significant(P=0.45).CONCLUSION The study concludes that BoNT-A does not offer a short-term advantage over placebo in reducing pain or improving LBP scores in CLBP patients.

Thermal Therapy in Patients Suffering from Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain—A Systematic Review

Thermal therapy is frequently used as an adjunct to treatment in patients suffering from chronic low back pain. It is also an inherent part of patients’ self-administered pain treatment. This review aims to update the evidence for thermal therapy treatments in non-specific chronic low back pain patients and to rate the methodological quality of the corresponding clinical trials. Previous studies have reported contradictory evidence for the effectiveness of thermal therapy. An electronic search on MEDLINE (PubMed), PEDro, CENTRAL and CINHAL databases was conducted between May 2016 and February 2018. Clinical trials comparing local thermal therapy to conservative or no treatment were assessed for eligibility. Pain, physical function and global health were defined as outcome parameters. A total of n = 9 studies met the inclusion criteria. All of them applied an electrophysical agent as the thermal treatment: continuous ultrasound (n = 6), short-wave diathermy (n = 2), microwave diathermy (n = 1). Out of the n = 6 studies on ultrasound treatment, n = 2 reported significant within and between-group results for pain reduction after 4 to 6 weeks of treatment. Both short-wave diathermy studies demonstrated significant between-group results for pain reduction after 3 weeks of treatment. Contradictory results for all other observed outcome parameters were reported regardless of the intervention. Moreover, significant within-group results for the control groups questioned the effectiveness of the intervention treatments. Therefore, the effect of thermal therapy, (electrophysical agents), is not superior to any control treatment except for ultrasound treatment on short-term pain reduction.

Anxiety and Depression Disorders in Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain in Lomé(Togo)

Chronic non-specific low back pain has an important psychological impact. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders (ADD) and factors associated to their apparition in patients suffering from chronic non-specific low back pain in rheumatological consultation in Lomé. Patients and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study, conducted from October 1st, 2015 to 31st March 2016. This study focused on all patients suffering from common chronic low back pain without psychiatric history in the Rheumatology Ward at the Sylvanus Olympio’s Teaching Hospital of Lomé and who have given their consent. The psychological evaluation was carried out through Hamilton scale. The processing, the statistical treatment and analysis of our data have been carried out using Epiinfo software, version 7.1.5. The investigation was approved by the local Ethics Committee. Results: 48 (39 women and 09 men) out of 123 patients with chronic lower back pain presented anxiety and depressive disorders (ADD) accounting for a prevalence rate of 39%. Their average age was 50.3 years old. The most frequent ADD was: psychic anxiety (58.6%), depressive mood (51.3%), difficulties to feel asleep (47.9%) and disturbed or agitated sleep (43.1%). Factors associated with the anxiety and depressive disorders in common chronic low back pain were: female gender (p = 0.02), dependent children (p = 0.02), occupation (reseller (p = 0.002), liberal profession (p = 0.009), monthly financial income (p = 0.002), surroundings family (0.009), medical history (p = 0.0002) and pain’s intensity > 7 (p = 0.04). Conclusion: This study shows the high frequency of anxiety and depressive disorders in common chronic low back pain and their influence by socio-economic and demographic factors.

Efficacy and safety of thermobalancing therapy with Dr Allen’s Device for chronic low back pain:A randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND Lumbar disc herniation and non-specific low back pain are common conditions that seriously affect patients’health-related quality of life(HRQoL).Although empirical evidence has demonstrated that novel Thermobalancing therapy and Dr Allen’s Device can relieve chronic low back pain,there have been no randomised controlled trials for these indications.AIM To evaluate the efficacy of Dr Allen’s Device in lumbar disc herniation(LDH)and non-specific low back pain(NSLBP).METHODS A randomised clinical trial was conducted investigating 55 patients with chronic low back pain due to LDH(n=28)or NSLBP(n=27),out of which 15 were randomly assigned to the control group and 40 were assigned to the treatment group.The intervention was treatment with Dr Allen’s Device for 3 mo.Changes in HRQoL were assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale and the Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Questionnaire.RESULTS Thermobalancing therapy with Dr Allen’s Device showed a significant reduction in pain in the treatment group(P<0.001),with no recorded adverse effects.Both pain assessment scales showed a significant improvement in patients’perception of pain indicating improvement in HRQoL.CONCLUSION The out-of-hospital use of Thermobalancing therapy with Dr Allen’s Device for Low Back Treatment relieves chronic low back pain significantly and without adverse effects,improves the level of activity and HRQoL among patients with LDH and NSLBP.This study demonstrates the importance of this safe first-line therapy that can be used for effective at-home management of chronic low back pain.

Finding the Needle in the Haystack—An Unusual Case of Astasia-Abasia Following Sacro-Iliac Joint Injection for Chronic Low Back Pain

We present the case of a 60 yrs old male who, following a routine, uneventful, fluoroscopically guided L5/S1 facet joint rhizolysis and sacro-iliac joint (SIJ) injection developed an unexpected inability to stand or walk, a condition known as astasia-abasia. Initial concern had been that this neurological phenomenon was as a result of complications of his chronic pain intervention. Despite an essentially normal neurological examination and dedicated battery of neurological imaging and special testing, no cause was identified. Over a 7-day period of in-patient admission and physical rehabilitation symptoms resolved entirely. In the course of the workup for this episode, it was suggested that the phenomenon was the result of a side effect of dexamfetamine, an agent that had been prescribed for the patient by his neurologist for treatment of his narcolepsy. On the back of this episode, this treatment was discontinued by his neurologist following an outpatient consultation. Subsequent repeated SIJ injections were entirely uneventful and the patient experienced no further occurrences of this phenomenon.

Effect of Verbal Instructions in Pain Assessment during a Passive Straight Leg Raise Test in People with Chronic Low Back Pain

The most prevalent issue in physical therapy is pain. Due to the subjective nature of pain, assessment tools are essential in understanding it as objective data. However, assessment of pain may result in distress for the patient. A physical therapist (PT) should conduct these tests as quickly and accurately as possible. Straightforward instructions are vital in such cases. This study aimed to clarify the effect of verbal instructions for pain assessment during a passive straight leg raise (PSLR) test for participants with chronic low back pain (CLBP). This study included 22 participants who provided informed consent and received three consecutive PSLR tests with measurement of the hip flexion range of motion (HFROM) and were instructed to cease the test at submaximal pain before the first test. Following the second and third tests, participants were given specific verbal instructions to remember pain intensity, quality, and location. After each test, participants were to circle the pain location on the body chart and rate their pain intensity on a numeric rating scale (NRS) and pain quality. All participants were then interviewed about the differences between having and not having specific verbal instructions. The results of HFROM, NRS, and pain extent were not significantly different between the first and second tests or between the second and third tests using a paired t-test. Eleven changes in pain location were found in the second test compared to those in the first test. In the third test, only three participants circled a different area than in the second test. Ten participants showed similar changes with pain location in pain quality in the three PSLR tests. This study revealed the effect of specific verbal instructions prior to PSLR tests. Particularly, participants could notice exact pain location. Our findings may help PT to understand pain cause and reduce patients’ stress during pain assessment in clinical settings.

Prevalence and influencing factors of low back pain among nurses in China:a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:Low back pain(LBP)is one of the most common occupational injuries that nurses experience in their daily work,which ultimately causes disability or difficulty in performing heavy physical activity.There is scarce information that presents a direct figure about the prevalence of LBP in Chinese nurses.Objective:To systematically review and analyze the prevalence and influencing factors of LBP among nurses in China.Methods:Related literature extracted from PubMed,Web of Science,Scopus,China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were selected and reviewed based on the PRISMA guideline.Random effects models were used for data analysis,where heterogeneity was tested through I2.Egger’s test was used to analyze the literature publication bias.Results:The combined data indicated that the prevalence of LBP among nurses in China was 78%[95%confidence interval(CI)=0.72–0.83].The prevalence of LBP among nurses in China has declined in the past decade.Nurses presented a high risk of LBP in terms of female(OR=2.38,95%CI=1.23–3.44,P<0.0001),married(OR=2.79,95%CI=1.57–3.86,P<0.0001),24≤BMI<28(OR=2.03,95%CI=1.18–3.08,P<0.0001),and working for more than ten>10 years(OR=2.54,95%CI=2.03–3.32,P<0.0001).Conclusions:There is a high prevalence of LBP among nurses in China.Interventions that include healthy dietary habits and physical activity mainly focusing on female married nurses who are working for at least 10 years should be implemented.Furthermore,nurses ought to apply ergonomic principles for personal protection at the workplace.

Efficacy of Low Dose Naltrexone on Pain Reduction in Chronic Pain Syndromes: A Meta Analysis

Chronic pain is a multifaceted debilitating experience often associated with significant physical and emotional burden. Low dose naltrexone (LDN) has gained attention in recent years for its potential utility in the management of fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and painful diabetic neuropathy. LDN’s analgesic effects have been associated with its ability to increase the production of endorphins while reducing the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide. This meta-analysis aims to systematically review and synthesize the available evidence on efficacy of LDN as an analgesic in pain syndromes, with a focus on chronic (neuro) inflammatory diseases. The goal is to provide clinicians with a more comprehensive estimate of the effectiveness of LDN as a non-opioid option for managing chronic pain and guide future research in the area. Thirteen randomized control trials, published from 1990 to 2022, were selected for the analysis that satisfied inclusion criteria. The overall effects in these studies were calculated using the standardized mean difference (SMD) between the LDN and placebo groups. We found an overall SMD of -10.77 (95% CI: -13.96 to -7.58) with a p-value of 0.002. This indicated that the LDN group experienced a statistically significant reduction in pain compared to placebo. This meta-analysis provides evidence for the potential efficacy of low dose naltrexone in reducing pain and enhancing analgesia in various pain syndromes. LDN may be a useful treatment option for patients suffering from chronic pain, particularly with fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, or diabetic neuropathy. However, further research is needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of low dose naltrexone for chronic pain conditions, especially with larger sample sizes, standardized dosing regimens and treatment durations.

Differences in brain structure in patients with distinct sites of chronic pain:A voxel-based morphometric analysis

A reduction in gray matter volume is common in patients with chronic back pain, and different types of pain are associated with gray matter abnormalities in distinct brain regions. To examine differ- ences in brain morphology in patients with low back pain or neck and upper back pain, we investi- gated changes in gray matter volume in chronic back pain patients having different sites of pain using voxel-based morphometry. A reduction in cortical gray matter volume was found primarily in the left postcentral gyrus and in the left precuneus and bilateral cuneal cortex of patients with low back pain. In these patients, there was an increase in subcortical gray matter volume in the bilateral putamen and accumbens, right pallidum, right caudate nucleus, and left amygdala. In upper back pain patients, reduced cortical gray matter volume was found in the left precentral and left postcen- tral cortices. Our findings suggest that regional gray matter volume abnormalities in low back pain patients are more extensive than in upper back pain patients. Subcortical gray matter volume in- creases are found only in patients with low back pain.

Research Findings Using Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a complex condition that is very detrimental to physical and psychological wellbeing. It carries a significant level of disability and economic burden. Pain patients frequently experience comorbid mental illness (e.g. depression, anxiety, PTSD, insomnia) and often require psychotherapeutic interventions in addition to medication management. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have emerged as a means to treat several chronic conditions (e.g. chronic pain, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, stress, insomnia). The objective of this review is to evaluate the current research on the use of MBIs in chronic pain managment. Although there are several controlled trials on the use of MBIs in chronic pain management, only a few studies were found that demonstrated significant effects on pain intensity, quality of life, as well as physical and psychological functioning. Therefore, the current evidence is mixed and there are insufficient data to definitively confirm the full impact of the use of MBIs in chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic low back pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. The lack of compelling evidence at this time signals a demand for higher quality investigations in this area. Research examining MBIs and concomitant CBT may be of great value in order to synergize and strengthen patient outcomes.

Physical activity and chronic back conditions:A population-based pooled study of 60,134 adults

Background:Little is known about the association between different types of physical activity(PA)and chronic back conditions(CBCs)at the population level.We investigated the association between levels of total and type-specific PA participation and CBCs.Methods'.The sample comprised 60,134 adults aged>16 years who participated in the Health Survey for England and Scottish Health Survey from 1994 to 2008.Multiple logistic regression models,adjusted for potential confbunders,were used to examine the association between total and type-specific PA volume(walking,domestic activity,sport/exercise,cycling,football/rugby,running/jogging,manual work,and housework)and the prevalence of CBCs.Results'.We found an inverse association between total PA volume and prevalence of CBCs.Compared with inactive participants,the fully adjusted odds ratio(OR)for very active participants(≥15 metabolic equivalent h/week)was 0.77(95%confidence interval(CI):0.69—0.85).Participants reporting≥300 min/week of moderate-intensity activity and≥75 min/week of vigorous-intensity activity had 24%(95%CI:6%—39%)and 21%(95%C1:11%—30%)lower odds of CBCs,respectively.Higher odds of CBCs were observed for participation in high-level manual domestic activity(OR=1.22;95%CI:1.00-1.48).Sport/exercise was associated with CBCs in a less consistent manner(e.g.,OR=1.18(95%CI:1.06—1.32)for low levels and OR=0.82(95%CI:0.72—0.93)for high levels of sport/exercise).Conclusion'.PA volume is inversely associated with the prevalence of CBCs.

Effectiveness of hip upslip correction method on ambulation and back pain in patients with lumbar discopathy:a case report

Background:Low back pain can be caused by a variety of accidents,ailments,or diseases,the most common of which is a back muscle problem or tendon injury.The intensity of pain varies from mild to severe.Lower back pain usually improves with rest,pain medications,and physical therapy(PT).Injections of cortisone and manual treatments such as osteopathic or chiropractic manipulation can help reduce pain and speed up the healing process.Some back injuries and disorders necessitate surgery.Methods:A multidisciplinary team evaluation was applied.The patient received medications for a prolonged period that lasted more than 4 to 6 weeks without improvement.Seven sessions of conservative and physical therapy manipulation were applied over a period of two weeks to correct the lower body mechanics and realign the body posture properly.Results:The neglected adolescent patients responded well to physical therapy sessions.The patient can walk with normal body posture and practice his activities of daily life without obstacles.The right up-slip hip was corrected successfully,and both posterior iliac spine joints were functional after the intervention.The patient expressed his satisfaction with physical therapy treatment.Conclusion:Corrections of body mechanics in patients with discopathy should be taken into consideration during treatment.

生物反馈助力电刺激对慢性非特异性腰痛患者下肢步行功能的改善

背景:国内外关于慢性非特异性腰痛生物反馈疗法和三维步态功能分析的相关研究已开展很多,但是对二者结合的研究少有报道。目的:利用三维步态分析采集步态参数数据,研究生物反馈助力电刺激对慢性非特异性腰痛患者步行能力的改变效果。方法:选择2021年6月至2022年9月在广东药科大学附属第一医院收治的60例慢性非特异性腰痛患者,男34例,女26例,年龄32-58岁。采用随机数字表法将60例患者分为对照组(n=30)与试验组(n=30),两组患者均接受腰部动态干扰电的常规治疗(20 min/次,1次/d,每周5次,持续治疗20次),对照组患者在常规治疗的基础上进行仰卧搭桥和俯卧搭桥的悬吊核心肌群训练(每周5次,持续治疗20次),试验组在对照组治疗的基础上进行生物反馈助力电刺激治疗(20 min/次,1次/d,每周5次,持续治疗20次)。比较分析两组患者治疗前后的腰痛评分、肌电信号平均值和步态参数。结果与结论:①两组患者治疗结束后的数字类比表评分、日本骨科协会(JOA)评分、Oswestry功能障碍指数均较治疗前明显改善(P<0.05),试验组治疗结束后的数字类比表评分、JOA评分、Oswestry功能障碍指数均优于对照组(P<0.05);②两组患者治疗结束后的腹直肌、臀大肌、竖脊肌表面肌电平均值均高于治疗前(P<0.05),试验组治疗结束后的腹直肌、臀大肌、竖脊肌表面肌电平均值均高于对照组(P<0.05);③两组患者治疗结束后的步宽、步速、步频、健患侧步长比值、健患侧支撑相比值、患健侧摆动相比值、健患侧髋关节及膝关节矢状面活动度和健患侧足偏角均优于治疗前(P<0.05),试验组治疗结束后的上述指标均优于对照组(P<0.05);④结果表明,生物反馈助力电刺激能明显缓解慢性非特异性腰痛,改善了患者下肢步行功能。

慢性腰痛(cLBP)针刺“同病异治”效应的脑网络影像学的客观评价

目的本研究旨在诊断病(慢性腰痛)基础上进行中医辨证(肾虚和非肾虚慢性腰痛),并观察不同证型针刺治疗前后脑活动间的差异性,用以研究"同病异治"理论。方法采用静息态功能性磁共振技术经不同针刺方案对由16例肾虚腰痛患者和16例非肾虚腰痛患者组成的32例慢性腰痛组进行治疗,对25例年龄和性别匹配的健康对照组进行扫描,并用局部一致性(regional homogeneity,ReHo)分析法对健康对照组和慢性腰痛组(包括肾虚和非肾虚)分别进行分析,采用视觉模拟评分表评估患者临床症状。结果相对健康对照组,慢性腰痛患者ReHo值增加的区域主要在于双侧颞下回、左侧颞上回、左顶上叶等;ReHo值下降的区域主要在双侧中央后回、双侧额上回、右侧辅助运动区等。相比非肾虚腰痛组,肾虚腰痛组患者ReHo值增加的区域主要位于左侧颞上回、右侧颞下回、右侧颞中回、右侧楔叶、右侧顶上回等,无ReHo值显著下降的脑区。经过分型治疗后,非肾虚腰痛组和肾虚腰痛组的脑ReHo图均与健康对照组相接近,3组间差异无统计学意义。结论不同的中医证型慢性腰痛会引起脑区不同的活动变化,脑网络能够反映"同病异证"之间的差异。不同取穴方案均能改善疼痛症状,且改善程度间无明显差异。

Exploration of the therapeutic effect and clinical outcomes of acupuncture at pain-sensitive points to treat chronic nonspecific low back pain:Application of the acupoint sensitization theory

Objectives:To investigate the clinical and therapeutic effects of acupuncture at the pain-sensitive points of patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain and optimize the acupuncture treatment for chronic nonspecific low back pain.Methods:Using the FDK 20 pressure algometer,the pain-sensitive points were probed in 30 patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.The top 5 points that elicited the most painful reaction were selected and stimulated with an even-needling technique after deqi.The needles were retained for 30 min.TDP irradiation was concurrently administered.The treatment was administered once daily on weekdays(Monday to Friday) and discontinued for 2 days during the weekend(Saturday and Sunday).The treatment lasted for 2 consecutive weeks.The changes in the range of motion(ROM) of the lumbar vertebrae,visual analogous scale(VAS) score,and the Oswestry disability index(ODI) score of the lumbar vertebrae were assessed before treatment and after 5 and 10 treatment sessions.Results:Compared with the data before treatment,the spinal ROM increased after 5 and 10 treatment sessions in the patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.The ROM after 10 treatment sessions was remarkably wider than that after 5 treatments,with statistical significance(all P<0.05).Compared with that before treatment,the immediate VAS score showed statistically significant reduction after 5 treatment sessions(P<0.05).Moreover,compared with the score after 5 treatment sessions,the immediate VAS score reduced after 10 treatment sessions,but without any statistical significance.After 5 and 10 treatment sessions,the ODI score was reduced in the patients and it was significantly different from that before treatment(both P<0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture at the pain-sensitive points alleviates pain and improves lumbar vertebral function in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain.Thus,further research is needed to confirm whether acupuncture can be a better intervention for chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Management of lumbar zygapophysial (facet) joint pain

AIM: To investigate the diagnostic validity and therapeutic value of lumbar facet joint interventions in managing chronic low back pain.METHODS: The review process applied systematic evidence-based assessment methodology of controlled trials of diagnostic validity and randomized controlled trials of therapeutic efficacy. Inclusion criteria encompassed all facet joint interventions performed in a controlled fashion. The pain relief of greater than 50% was the outcome measure for diagnostic accuracy assessment of the controlled studies with ability to perform previously painful movements, whereas, for randomized controlled therapeutic efficacy studies, the primary outcome was significant pain relief and the secondary outcome was a positive change in functional status. For the inclusion of the diagnostic controlled studies, all studies must have utilized either placebo controlled facet joint blocks or comparative local anesthetic blocks. In assessing therapeutic interventions, short-term and long-term reliefs were defined as either up to 6 mo or greater than 6 mo of relief. The literature search was extensive utilizing various types of electronic search media including Pub Med from 1966 onwards, Cochrane library, National Guideline Clearinghouse, clinicaltrials.gov, along with other sources includingprevious systematic reviews, non-indexed journals, and abstracts until March 2015. Each manuscript included in the assessment was assessed for methodologic quality or risk of bias assessment utilizing the Quality Appraisal of Reliability Studies checklist for diagnostic interventions, and Cochrane review criteria and the Interventional Pain Management Techniques- Quality Appraisal of Reliability and Risk of Bias Assessment tool for therapeutic interventions. Evidence based on the review of the systematic assessment of controlled studies was graded utilizing a modified schema of qualitative evidence with best evidence synthesis, variable from level Ⅰ to level Ⅴ.RESULTS: Across all databases, 16 high quality diagnostic accuracy studies were identified. In addition, multiple studies assessed the influence of multiple factors on diagnostic validity. In contrast to diagnostic validity studies, therapeutic efficacy trials were limited to a total of 14 randomized controlled trials, assessing the efficacy of intraarticular injections, facet or zygapophysial joint nerve blocks, and radiofrequency neurotomy of the innervation of the facet joints. The evidence for the diagnostic validity of lumbar facet joint nerve blocks with at least 75% pain relief with ability to perform previously painful movements was level Ⅰ, based on a range of level Ⅰ to Ⅴ derived from a best evidence synthesis. For therapeutic interventions, the evidence was variable from level Ⅱ to Ⅲ, with level Ⅱ evidence for lumbar facet joint nerve blocks and radiofrequency neurotomy for long-term improvement(greater than 6 mo), and level Ⅲ evidence for lumbosacral zygapophysial joint injections for short-term improvement only.CONCLUSION: This review provides significant evidence for the diagnostic validity of facet joint nerve blocks, and moderate evidence for therapeutic radiofrequency neurotomy and therapeutic facet joint nerve blocks in managing chronic low back pain.

Acu-moxi Around the World Analysis and reflection of characteristics of evidence review by CMS on acupuncture treatment for chronic low back pain

On January 21,2020,the Centers for Medicare&Medicaid Services issued the Decision Memo for Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain,which included acupuncture treatment for chronic low back pain in Medicare.This paper analyzed the characteristics and analytic methods of CMS evidence review.The evidence review of CMS is characterized by focusing on reviewing domestic and international review studies,U.S.evidence-based guidelines,public consultation and patient needs and personnel coverage.The evidence review and analytic method of CMS includes reviewing the literature to evaluate relevant evidence,reviewing the quality and basis of evidence and determining the universality of evidence.The evidence review method of CMS provides enlightenment for the development of acupuncture and moxibustion and the promotion of Traditional Chinese Medicine.China can learn from the experience of CMS and carry out evidence-based medical evaluation of acupuncture and moxibustion around the common diseases in China.We can improve the coverage of medical insurance according to the needs of patients and encourage physicians to give patient education on non-drug therapy.

Acupuncture is ineffective for chronic low back pain?A critical analysis and rethinking

Acupuncture is a promising treatment for relieving pain and improving lower back function in clinical practice.However,evidence from randomized clinical trials(RCTs)remains controversial.Most RCTs conclude that acupuncture procedures for chronic low back pain(CLBP)had no significant difference in efficacy and belonged to placebo.We carefully reviewed and analyzed the methodology and implementation of sham acupuncture in RCTs.Controversial evidence of acupuncture for CLBP is only a microcosm of the evaluation methodological limitation of acupuncture.Inappropriate selection of sham acupuncture controls,rigorous RCT research models,and incorrect interpretation of results may contribute to negative evidence.Evaluating and disregarding the holistic efficacy of acupuncture with an explanatory RCT model based on evaluation drugs may be unwise.Moreover,sham acupuncture is often proven to be non-inert,unreasonable,and with low fidelity.Pitfalls of the explanatory RCT model and sham acupuncture design should be avoided.Establishing a new evaluation system that is in line with the clinical characteristics of acupuncture and obtaining high-quality evidence are difficult but promising tasks.

Zygapophysial joint pain in selected patients

The zygapophysial joints(z-joints), together with the intervertebral disc, form a functional spine unit. The joints are typical synovial joints with an innervation from two medial branches of the dorsal rami. The joint capsule and the surrounding structures have an extensive nerve supply. The stretching of the capsule and loads being transmitted through the joint can causepain. The importance of the z-joints as a pain generator is often underestimated because the prevalence of z-joint pain(10%-80%) is difficult to specify. Z-joint pain is a somatic referred pain. Morning stiffness and pain when moving from a sitting to a standing position are typical. No historic or physical examination variables exist to identify z-joint pain. Also, radiologic findings do not have a diagnostic value for pain from z-joints. The method with the best acceptance for diagnosing z-joint pain is controlled medial branch blocks(MBBs). They are the most validated of all spinal interventions, although false-positive and false-negative results exist and the degree of pain relief after MBBs remains contentious. The prevalence of z-joint pain increases with age, and it often comes along with other pain sources. Degenerative changes are commonly found. Z-joints are often affected by osteoarthritis and inflammatory processes. Often additional factors including synovial cysts, spondylolisthesis, spinal canal stenosis, and injuries are present. The only truly validated treatment is medial branch neurotomy. The available technique vindicates the use of radiofrequency neurotomy provided that the correct technique is used and patients are selected rigorously using controlled blocks.