Articles tagged with Back Pain
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Researchers at Mount Sinai have developed an AI model that can accurately determine the type of lower back pain by analyzing clinical notes in electronic medical records. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatment options, reduced opioid prescriptions, and more accurate billing and therapy recommendations.
A randomized controlled trial found that T'ai Chi was feasible and acceptable for improving chronic low back pain in adults over 65. High attendance rates and perceived benefits were observed among participants, suggesting a potential treatment option for this population.
A comprehensive review of movement-based mind-body interventions found yoga, tai chi, and qigong to be effective in treating chronic lower back pain. The studies showed reductions in pain intensity, disability, and improved functional ability, with longer duration and high-dose yoga intervention and tai chi showing greater benefits.
A recent meta-analysis found that psychosocial factors in the workplace, such as workload and job control, contribute significantly to chronic low back pain. Employees with more autonomy in scheduling their work experienced lower rates of CLBP.
A study published in Nature Communications suggests that age-related changes to spinal cartilaginous tissue can lead to painful nerve growth, causing unexplained low back pain. The research found that a porous structure in the cartilage endplates can invite abnormal nerve growth, making the normal load-bearing work of the spine painful.
A recent study found that low back pain accounts for approximately one-third of new emergency department imaging in the US. Imaging utilization varies significantly by region, with patients in the southern US undergoing more imaging than those in the western US.
Researchers found yoga and physical therapy significantly improved sleep quality for 52 weeks after 12-week treatment. Participants with early pain improvements were three times more likely to have better sleep outcomes.
Esports athletes are at risk of physical, psychological, and metabolic disorders due to their high-intensity gaming sessions. Researchers warn that the field of sports medicine needs to adapt to address these players' unique needs.
A study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found no significant difference between non-BFR exercise and BFR exercise on the trunk extensor muscles, contradicting previous positive conclusions.
Patients who first see a chiropractor or physical therapist are less likely to be prescribed opioids, reducing the risk of short- and long-term use. The study found that state-level policy regulations impact opioid prescribing, with patients in states with limited access more likely to receive opioids.
A new study from the University of Warwick reveals that people with persistent back pain or headaches are twice as likely to suffer from both disorders. The researchers suggest an association between the two types of pain, pointing to a potential shared treatment for both conditions.
A recent study published in Pain Medicine found that self-administered acupressure can improve symptoms of chronic low back pain. Researchers compared three groups: relaxing acupressure, stimulating acupressure, and usual care, with the acupressure groups experiencing pain and fatigue improvement after six weeks.
A $21 million national study will test three evidence-based treatments for chronic low back pain in a 20-site trial. The Sequential and Comparative Evaluation of Pain Treatment Effectiveness Response (SCEPTER) trial aims to find the best approach to manage chronic low back pain, with implications for the general population.
The T2Bacteria Panel accurately diagnoses common bloodstream infections in 3-8 hours, compared to 24-72 hours for blood cultures. This rapid diagnosis may improve clinical outcomes by shortening the time to appropriate antibiotic treatment.
A special issue of WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation explores the dynamics between work and pain. The study found that presenteeism, repetitive work, and job stress are linked to chronic pain, with psychological symptoms intensifying physical ones.
Research by University of Sydney researchers reveals a significant association between diabetes and low back pain and neck pain. The study found people with diabetes have a higher risk of experiencing these conditions, warranting further investigation into the link.
A recent study of nearly 21,000 US Army soldiers deployed to Afghanistan or Iraq found that those with higher levels of optimism before deployment were less likely to report new pain after deployment. Higher optimism was linked to a lower likelihood of reporting new back pain, joint pain, and frequent headaches.
A Canadian population study tracked back pain patterns over 16 years, identifying four trajectories: persistent, developing, recovery, and occasional. The persistent and developing groups had more pain and disability, while the recovery group increased opioid use.
A new study from the University of Warwick demonstrates that digital versions of established measurements for assessing back pain are just as reliable and responsive. Patients can assess their own back pain using a mobile app on their phone or tablet as effectively as current paper methods.
A study found that pulsed radiofrequency (pRF) is an effective treatment option for patients with acute lower back pain from lumbar disk herniation. pRF was superior to steroid injections in reducing inflammation and symptoms, resulting in faster pain relief and improved quality of life.
Researchers successfully targeted and enhanced alpha oscillations in the somatosensory cortex, resulting in significant decreases in symptoms associated with chronic lower back pain. The study suggests that non-invasive treatment strategies like transcranial alternating current stimulation may one day be used to treat chronic pain.
A study of over 8,000 older women found that frequent back pain was associated with a 24% increased risk of death. Disability measured after back pain helped explain this association, suggesting that better management of back pain could prevent disability and improve life expectancy.
A study presented at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2018 found that dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation therapy significantly improves chronic back pain, with a median pain score decrease of 33% after follow-up. DRG stimulation disrupts pain signals by targeting specific nerves, avoiding unnecessary stimulation of nerve fibers from non-painful areas.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that US public and private health insurance policies are inconsistent in covering non-drug treatments for lower back pain. Most plans lacked clear coverage terms for acupuncture, psychological counseling, and physical therapy, with only a few covering these alternatives.
Researchers have discovered three genetic variants associated with chronic back pain, which may provide clues for understanding its occurrence. The study found that these variants are linked to genes controlling skeletal development and spinal cord function.
A new study found that home-based video-game exercises can significantly reduce chronic low back pain in older adults, with a 27% reduction in pain and a 23% increase in function. The program was well-compliant, with participants completing an average of 85% of recommended sessions.
A new study reveals a strong association between back pain, smoking, drinking, anxiety, depression, and school absenteeism in adolescents. Researchers found that teens experiencing frequent back pain are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors and report mental health problems.
A recent study published in CMAJ found anticonvulsants to be ineffective for chronic low back pain and lumbar radicular pain, with a higher risk of adverse events.
A new study analyzed prescription drug coverage policies for treating chronic noncancer pain, finding opportunities for insurers to redesign coverage and improve pain management. The research highlights the need to expand access to opioid alternatives through coverage and reimbursement policies.
Patients who saw a physical therapist first had lower utilization of high-cost medical services and lower opioid use. They also had significantly lower out-of-pocket costs, with costs shifting towards provider settings.
A study of 150,000 insurance claims found that patients who saw a physical therapist first had significantly lower rates of opioid prescriptions, advanced imaging services, and emergency department visits. They also had lower out-of-pocket costs and a higher probability of hospitalization in some cases.
A clinical trial found that chiropractic care, when added to usual medical care, resulted in moderate improvements in pain intensity and disability for US military personnel with low back pain. The study suggests a potential cost-effective and low-risk treatment option for this common condition.
Low back pain affects an estimated 540 million worldwide, causing disability and costing £10.7 billion to UK society. UK briefing notes reveal the condition is often mistreated against best practice guidelines, with a 12% increase in years lived with disability over two decades.
A series of papers warns that low back pain is a major health burden globally, with over 540 million people affected. The condition is poorly understood and being mismanaged medically, leading to unnecessary harm and costly treatments.
A new Series in The Lancet highlights the extent to which low back pain is mistreated, with patients often receiving education and advice instead of evidence-based treatments. Key findings include high rates of opioid prescription and limited exercise prescriptions, even in countries with high-income counterparts.
A new study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reports that abdominoplasty ('tummy tuck') surgery with muscle repair can improve back pain and urinary incontinence in women after labor and delivery. The study included 214 women who underwent the procedure, showing significant improvement in both back pain and incontinence ...
A new study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that direct access to physical therapy for neck and back pain can reduce treatment costs by an average of $1,543. Patients who chose this approach reported similar improvement in their condition, with an average gain of over 50% in pain and disability.
Back pain is common in highly active older adults, impacting nearly half of well-functioning individuals. The condition was linked to less efficient walking and poorer endurance, which can lead to mobility issues. Better back pain management may help maintain independence and prevent future loss of mobility.
The patented AromaStick inhaler enhances pain management by changing pain dynamics and improving relief. In two field studies, participants experienced increased mood and well-being when using the inhaler.
A new study from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center suggests that weak deep core muscles increase the risk of low back pain in runners. By analyzing muscle movements and pressure on joints, researchers found that planks and stabilizing exercises are essential for preventing back pain.
Researchers analyzed millions of doctor visits to find no correlation between rainfall and painful joints or sore backs. Despite the lack of evidence, many people still believe that certain symptoms are forecasted by weather conditions.
A large observational study found no link between rainfall and visiting the doctor with joint pain, dispelling a commonly held belief. Despite this, researchers suggest larger data on disease severity may be needed to confirm or deny the relationship.
A new image-guided pulsed radiofrequency treatment has shown extraordinary results in relieving low back pain and sciatica. The procedure involves inserting a probe to deliver energy to the affected area, resolving herniation without thermal damage, and patients were largely pain-free within a day.
Recent revisions to major international guidelines for the management of low back pain recommend shifting from pain medicines to non-medicinal approaches such as yoga, mindfulness, and physiotherapy. GPs are now unlikely to prescribe pain medicines, encouraging a more holistic approach to treating LBP.
A study found that positive sacroiliac MRI scans can be common in healthy individuals and frequent runners, suggesting the need for additional diagnostic measures. The research emphasizes the importance of considering these results in context to avoid misdiagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis.
A new study at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine found no relation between biomechanical stiffness and reported feelings of stiffness in participants. Instead, researchers suggest that people may experience a protective construct created by their nervous system when describing stiffness.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that clinicians' prior image-ordering habits and equipment ownership are strong indicators of unnecessary MRI orders. This highlights the need for physicians to offer financially responsible care, particularly in cases of uncomplicated back pain and headaches.
Clinically undiagnosed vertebral fractures in older men are associated with higher likelihood of back pain and limited physical activity. Preventing these fractures may reduce back pain and related disability.
A meta-analysis published in PLOS Medicine found that gabapentinoids have no significant improvement in pain relief for chronic low back pain, and may even worsen symptoms. The study analyzed findings from 8 randomized controlled trials and identified significant risks of adverse events such as dizziness and visual disturbances.
The PCORI Board approved $10 million for two studies to compare strategies for reducing unsafe opioid prescribing and improving pain management. The studies will focus on Medicaid payer strategies and healthcare provider interventions to expand non-opioid approaches, with the goal of providing evidence-based information to improve pati...
A team of Vanderbilt University engineers has developed smart underwear that can help prevent back pain by offloading stress on the low back muscles. The device features two fabric sections connected by straps and can be controlled via an app or a simple double tap, reducing muscle fatigue by up to 45%.
A 12-week yoga program significantly improves disability scores and reduces pain intensity in military veterans with chronic low back pain. Notably, these benefits persist even after six months, suggesting long-term potential for yoga as a non-drug treatment.
Three common conditions affecting varsity and professional athletes include symptomatic lumbar disk degeneration, lumbar disk herniation, and spondylolysis. Nonsurgical therapy is recommended as the first-line treatment for lower back conditions in elite athletes, with successful recovery rates reported.
Researchers found no significant difference in pain intensity after radiofrequency denervation, a procedure that uses electric current to target nerve pain sources. The study involved 681 participants and included three randomized clinical trials assessing the effectiveness of the treatment for different types of low back pain.
Researchers at the University of Florida found that a healthcare provider's strong belief in their treatment can significantly impact patient results. Participants who received treatment from providers with a strong preference experienced better pain relief, suggesting that self-efficacy plays a crucial role in treatment outcomes.
A new study reveals that individuals with low back pain who are also depressed are more likely to receive opioid prescriptions and higher doses. This finding sheds light on the current opioid epidemic and highlights the need for further research into prescribing patterns.
A study found declawed cats exhibit increased risk of pain, aggression, and behavioral issues such as inappropriate elimination. The research highlights the importance of considering long-term health effects and exploring alternative solutions to reduce welfare concerns.
Researchers have developed MOFs that can load and deliver ibuprofen, resulting in twice as long-lasting pain relief compared to commercial formulations. The compounds reach the bloodstream quickly and could be used for delivering other drugs orally.
Using HEART score to risk stratify patients with chest pain is safe and effective. However, its underutilization in emergency department (ED) settings may contribute to its limited impact on healthcare costs, which could be improved by reducing unnecessary admissions and testing.
A study published in JAMA found that spinal manipulation therapy associated with modest improvements in pain and function at up to 6 weeks, with temporary minor musculoskeletal harms. The treatment has a statistically significant association with improvements in both pain and function, but heterogeneity in study results remains a concern.