Articles: chronic.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Effect of spinal manipulative therapy on mechanical pain sensitivity in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain: a pilot randomized, controlled trial.
Objectives: The long-term goal of our study is to improve the understanding of the biological mechanisms associated with spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) in low back pain. Methods: This project involved a pilot randomized, blinded clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT03078114) of 3-week SMT in chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP) patients. We recruited 29 participants and randomly assigned them into either a SMT (n = 14) or sham SMT (n = 15) group. ⋯ However, no between-group differences were observed in PPT, clinical pain, or disability between the SMT and sham SMT groups over 3 weeks. Conclusions: After 3 weeks of SMT or sham SMT in CNSLBP patients, we found hypoalgesia at local and remote sites along with improved pain and low back-related disability. Level of Evidence: 1b.
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This study investigated spatial distribution and asymmetry of surface electromyography on lumbar muscles during a sustained contraction in soldiers with and without chronic low back pain. Twenty healthy soldiers and twenty chronic low back pain (CLBP) soldiers had performed the Sorensen test with a duration of 60 seconds. The corresponding muscle fatigue, spatial distribution, and the asymmetry of muscle activity over bilateral paraspinal lumbar regions were measured by the high-density surface electromyography (HDsEMG). ⋯ In addition, the asymmetry of erector spinae activity in the CLBP soldiers was significantly higher than the healthy one. In conclusion, uneven spatial distribution and asymmetry of lumbar muscle activity play significant roles in CLBP patients. The HDsEMG could be used as an objective method in distinguishing the function of the erector spinae between healthy individuals and CLBP patients during 1 min sustained contraction.
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Review Meta Analysis
Efficacy and Safety of Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Treatment for Chronic Pain in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common degenerative disease associated with joint dysfunction and pain. Ultrasound-guided radiofrequency (RF) may be a promising therapy in the treatment of chronic pain for KOA patients. ⋯ Ultrasonography is an effective, safe, nonradiative, and easily applicable guidance method for RF in pain relief and functional improvement in KOA patients.
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Lateral epicondylitis, also termed as "tennis elbow," is the most common cause of elbow pain and dysfunction, mainly resulting from repetitive gripping or wrist extension during various activities. The exact pathogenesis remains largely elusive with putative tendinosis, a symptomatic degenerative process of the local tendon. ⋯ Although most cases can be self-healing, the optimal treatment strategy for chronic lateral epicondylitis remains controversial. This article presents a landscape of emerging evidence on lateral epicondylitis and focuses on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management, shedding light on the understandings and treatment for healthcare professionals.
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Pain catastrophizing may contribute to the altered trunk muscle activity in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). It is unclear if pain catastrophizing influences static postural control in patients with NSCLBP. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between pain catastrophizing and static postural control in NSCLBP patients. ⋯ Static postural control was associated with pain catastrophizing, voluntary activation of TrA, and age in participants with NSCLBP. This indicated that pain catastrophizing may affect postural control and should be considered when interpreting balance test results and managing NSCLBP.