Articles: low-back-pain.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Rapid MR imaging versus plain radiography in patients with low back pain: initial results of a randomized study.
To demonstrate the feasibility of a randomized trial to compare rapid magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with plain radiography as the initial imaging study in patients with low back pain, to test measures of the decision-making process and patient outcomes, and to offer a model for using randomized clinical trials to evaluate diagnostic tests. ⋯ Randomly selecting patients to undergo imaging examinations and measuring outcomes is feasible; however, a larger, multicenter study is necessary to determine whether rapid MR imaging is a cost-effective replacement for plain radiography in patients with low back pain.
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Scand J Rehabil Med · Jun 1997
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialComparison of three intensive programs for chronic low back pain patients: a prospective, randomized, observer-blinded study with one-year follow-up.
In a randomized, blinded study, we compared the outcome from a full-time functional restoration program with the outcome from shorter active rehabilitation programs for patients with chronic, disabling low back pain. The study initially included 132 patients, randomized into one of three treatment programs: (1) an intensive 3-week multidisciplinary program; (2) active physical training and back school; or (3) psychological pain management and active physical training. Nine of the randomized patients never started in any program, so the studied population consisted of 123 patients. ⋯ There was no significant difference between Programs 2 and 3 in most of these parameters. As for sick leave and leg pain, there was no significant difference between Programs 1 and 2, although a difference was observed when comparing Program 3 with each of the other two. Conclusively, it seems that there is human, as well as economical, benefit from a functional restoration program compared to less intensive programs for these patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Incorporation of cognitive-behavioral treatment into the medical care of chronic low back patients: a controlled randomized study in German pain treatment centers.
Cognitive behavioral treatment has been incorporated into standard medical treatment procedures in German pain centers. Acceptance of the treatment by patients and outcome in terms of pain, coping, and disability was investigated. Components of the psychological treatment are education, relaxation and imagery, modifying thoughts and feelings, enhancement of pleasant activities, and training of good postural habits. ⋯ The results were maintained at follow-up. Patients who only received medical treatment showed little improvement. Data indicate that the program meets the needs of the patients and should be continued.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
The effects of medical evidence and pain intensity on medical student judgments of chronic pain patients.
This study examined symptom judgments made by medical students of hypothetical chronic low back pain patients. Eight vignettes were varied as to the pain intensity reported by the hypothetical patient (low vs. moderate vs. high vs. very high) and the availability of medical evidence supportive of the pain report (present vs. absent). Ninety-five subjects read vignettes and made judgments of patient emotional distress, pain intensity, and pain-related disability. ⋯ Judgments of pain and disability were higher for patients for whom medical evidence was present compared to those for whom it was absent. The results support and extend previous research on the effects of situational and patient variables on observer pain judgments. Future research should examine the influence of these biasing variables on the assessment and treatment of chronic pain patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Local and remote sustained trigger point therapy for exacerbations of chronic low back pain. A randomized, double-blind, controlled, multicenter trial.
A randomized, double-blind, controlled, multicenter trial was conducted. ⋯ Neuroreflexotherapy intervention seems to be a simple and effective treatment for rapid amelioration of pain episodes in patients with chronic low back pain. At this time, the duration of pain relief beyond 45 days has not been evaluated.