Prospective medium-term results of multimodal pain management in patients with lumbar radiculopathy.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Benditz A
PROVIDER: S-EPMC4910049 | biostudies-other | 2016
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other
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Project description:BackgroundLumbar radiculopathy is characterized by radiating pain with or without motor weakness or sensory disturbances; the point prevalence ranges from 1.6 to 13.4%. The objective of this review was to determine the efficacy, safety, and cost of surgical versus nonsurgical management of symptomatic lumbar radiculopathy in adults.MethodsWe searched PubMed from January 1, 2007, to April 10, 2019 with hand searches of systematic reviews for studies prior to 2007. One reviewer extracted data and a second checked for accuracy. Two reviewers completed independent risk of bias and strength of evidence ratings.ResultsWe included seven RCTs (N = 1158) and three cost-effectiveness analysis. Surgery reduced leg pain by 6 to 26 points more than nonsurgical interventions as measured on a 0- to 100-point visual analog scale of pain at up to 26 weeks follow-up; differences between groups did not persist at 1 year or later. The evidence was somewhat mixed for function and disability in follow-up through 26 weeks (standardized mean difference [SMD] - 0.16 (95% CI, - 0.30 to - 0.03); minimal differences were observed at 2 years (SMD - 0.06 (95% CI, - 0.20 to 0.07). There were similar improvements in quality of life, neurologic symptoms, and return to work. No surgical deaths occurred and surgical morbidity was infrequent. The incidence of reoperations ranged from 0 to 10%. The average cost per quality-adjusted life year gained from a healthcare payor perspective ranged from $51,156 to $83,322 for surgery compared to nonsurgical interventions.DiscussionMost findings are based on a body of RCT evidence graded as low to very low certainty. Compared with nonsurgical interventions, surgery probably reduces pain and improves function in the short- and medium-term, but this difference does not persist in the long-term. Although surgery appears to be safe, it may or may not be cost-effective depending on a decision maker's willingness to pay threshold.
| S-EPMC7080952 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Cervical radiculopathy has become an increasing problem worldwide. Conservative treatment options have been recommended in many reviews on cervical radiculopathy, ranging from different types of physiotherapy to waiting for remission by natural history. No multimodal pain management concept (MPM) on an inpatient basis has been evaluated. This study aimed at showing the positive short-term effects of an inpatient multimodal pain management concept with focus on cervical translaminar epidural steroid injection for patients with cervical radiculopathy. 54 patients who had undergone inpatient MPM for 10 days were evaluated before and after 10-days treatment. The NRS (0-10) value for arm pain could be reduced from 6.0 (IQR 5.7-6.8) to 2.25 (IQR 2.0-3.1) and from 5.9 (IQR 4.8-6.0) to 2.0 (IQR 1.7-2.6) for neck pain. Neck pain was reduced by 57.4% and arm pain by 62.5%. 2 days after epidural steroid injection, pain was reduced by 40.1% in the neck and by 43.4% in the arms. MPM seems to be an efficient short-term approach to treating cervical radiculopathy. Cervical translaminar epidural steroid injection is an important part of this concept. In the absence of a clear indication for surgery, MPM represents a treatment option.
| S-EPMC5554143 | biostudies-other
Project description:Lumbar radiculopathy causes lower back and lower extremity pain that may be managed with neural mobilization (NM) techniques. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of NM in alleviating pain and reducing disability in patients with lumbar radiculopathy. We hypothesized that NM would reduce pain and improve disability in the lumbar radiculopathy population, leveraging the statistical power of multiple studies. Electronic databases from their inception up to October 2023 were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that explored the impact of NM on lumbar radiculopathy. Our primary outcome measure was the alteration in pain intensity, while the secondary one was the improvement of disability, standardized using Hedges' g. To combine the data, we employed a random-effects model. A total of 20 RCTs comprising 877 participants were included. NM yielded a significant reduction in pain intensity (Hedges' g = -1.097, 95% CI = -1.482 to -0.712, p < 0.001, I2 = 85.338%). Subgroup analyses indicated that NM effectively reduced pain, whether employed alone or in conjunction with other treatments. Furthermore, NM significantly alleviated disability, with a notable effect size (Hedges' g = -0.964, 95% CI = -1.475 to -0.453, p < 0.001, I2 = 88.550%), particularly in chronic cases. The findings provide valuable insights for clinicians seeking evidence-based interventions for this patient population. This study has limitations, including heterogeneity, potential publication bias, varied causal factors in lumbar radiculopathy, overall study quality, and the inability to explore the impact of neural pathology on NM treatment effectiveness, suggesting opportunities for future research improvements.
| S-EPMC10744707 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundPainful lumbar radiculopathy is a neuropathic pain condition, commonly attributed to nerve root inflammation/compression by disc herniation. The present exploratory study searched for associations between pain intensity and inflammatory markers, herniated disc size, infection, psychological factors and pain modulation in patients with confirmed painful lumbar radiculopathy scheduled for spine surgery.MethodsPrior to surgery, 53 patients underwent the following evaluation: pain intensity measured on a 0-10 numeric rating scale (NRS) and the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire; sensory testing (modified DFNS protocol); pain processing including temporal summation and conditioned pain modulation (CPM); neurological examination; psychological assessment including Spielberger's Anxiety Inventory, Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale. Pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-1b, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, TNFα, IFNg) and microbial infection (ELISA and rt-PCR) in blood and disc samples obtained during surgery. MRI scans assessments for disc herniation size/volume (MSU classification/ three-dimensional volumetric analysis).ResultsComplete data were available from 40 (75%) patients (15 female) aged 44.8 ± 16.3 years. Pain intensity (NRS) positively correlated with pain catastrophizing and CPM (r = 0.437, p = 0.006; r = 0.421, p = 0.007; respectively), but not with disc/blood cytokine levels, bacterial infection or MRI measures. CPM (p = 0.001) and gender (p = 0.029) were associated with average pain intensity (adjusted R2 = 0.443).ConclusionsThis exploratory study suggests that pain catastrophizing, CPM and gender, seem to contribute to pain intensity in patients with painful lumbar radiculopathy. The role of mechanical compression and inflammation in determining the intensity of painful radiculopathy remains obscure.Significance of studyPain catastrophizing, CPM and gender rather than objective measures of inflammation and imaging seem to contribute to pain in patients with painful radiculopathy.
| S-EPMC10083974 | biostudies-literature
Project description:This retrospective study of prospectively collected data aimed to identify unique pain and disability trajectories in patients following lumbar discectomy surgery. Patients of this study population presented chiefly with lumbar radiculopathy and underwent discectomy surgery from thirteen sites enrolled in the CSORN registry. Outcome variables of interest included numeric rating scales for leg/back pain and modified Oswestry disability index scores at baseline, 3, 12, and 24 months post-operatively. Latent class growth analysis was used to identify distinct courses in each outcome. Data from 524 patients revealed three unique trajectories for leg pain (excellent = 18.4%, good = 55.4%, poor = 26.3%), disability (excellent = 59.7%, fair = 35.6%, poor = 4.7%) and back pain (excellent = 13.0%, good = 56.4%, poor = 30.6%). Construct validity was supported by statistically significant differences in the proportions of patients attaining the criteria for minimal important change (MIC; 30%) or clinical success in disability (50% or Oswestry score ≤ 22) (p < 0.001). The variable proportions of patients belonging to poor outcome trajectories shows a disconnect between improved disability and persistence of pain. It will be beneficial to incorporate this information into the realm of patient expectation setting in concert with future findings of potential factors predictive of subgroup membership.
| S-EPMC9249755 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundCervical radiculopathy is a relatively common and disabling condition involving local pain in the neck region and pain that radiates into the upper limb. Recent data suggest that cervical traction may effectively reduce disability and pain, with a dose-response relationship. The main aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the mid-term effect of an intensive cervical traction protocol for patients with cervical radiculopathy on disability, and to compare the effects with those reported by non-intensive protocols in the literature.MethodsWe conducted a prospective open observational study of 36 patients referred by their general practitioner for symptoms suggestive of cervical radiculopathy. All patients underwent the same treatment: a 30-minute cervical traction protocol, twice a day, for five consecutive days. The main objective was the evaluation of disability at 3 months. We evaluated at baseline (D1), the end of the protocol (D5) and at mid-term (M3) disability, cervical pain, radiating pain, pain on motor imagery, presence of neuropathic pain and medication consumption. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients for whom the Neck Disability Index improved by more than the minimum clinically important difference of 7 points by M3.ResultsThirty-six patients were included in this study. The Neck Disability Index improved by more than the minimum clinically important difference in 48.3% at M3. Mean Neck Disability Index (p < .001), mean cervical VAS (p < .001), mean radiating VAS (p < .001), and mean VAS for imagined lateral flexion and rotation (p < .002) improved significantly from D1 to D5 and from D1 to M3. Consumption of medication reduced at each time point. The proportion of patients with neuropathic pain reduced from 61.1% at D1 to 33.3% at D5 and 48.3% at M3.ConclusionDisability reduced by more than the minimum clinically important difference in almost half of the participants following the intensive traction protocol. These results are encouraging and suggest that this complex condition can be treated with relatively simple methods.
| S-EPMC8357129 | biostudies-literature
Project description:OBJECTIVE:Lumbar radiculopathy (LR) often manifests as pain in the lower back radiating into one leg (sciatica). Unsuccessful back surgery is associated with significant healthcare costs and risks to patients. This review aims to examine the diagnostic accuracy of selective nerve root blocks (SNRBs) to identify patients most likely to benefit from lumbar decompression surgery. DESIGN:Systematic review of diagnostic test accuracy studies. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:Primary research articles using a patient population with low back pain and symptoms in the leg, SNRB administered under radiological guidance as index test, and any reported reference standard for the diagnosis of LR. INFORMATION SOURCES:MEDLINE (Ovid), MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, EMBASE, Science Citation Index, Biosis, LILACS, Dissertation abstracts and National Technical Information Service from inception to 2018. METHODS:Risk of bias and applicability was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. We performed random-effects logistic regression to meta-analyse studies grouped by reference standard. RESULTS:6 studies (341 patients) were included in this review. All studies were judged at high risk of bias. There was substantial heterogeneity across studies in sensitivity (range 57%-100%) and specificity (10%-86%) estimates. Four studies were diagnostic cohort studies that used either intraoperative findings during surgery (pooled sensitivity: 93.5% [95% CI 84.0 to 97.6]; specificity: 50.0% [16.8 to 83.2]) or 'outcome following surgery' as the reference standard (pooled sensitivity: 90.9% [83.1 to 95.3]; specificity 22.0% [7.4 to 49.9]). Two studies had a within-patient case-control study design, but results were not pooled because different types of control injections were used. CONCLUSIONS:We found limited evidence which was of low methodological quality indicating that the diagnostic accuracy of SNRB is uncertain and that specificity in particular may be low. SNRB is a safe test with a low risk of clinically significant complications, but it remains unclear whether the additional diagnostic information it provides justifies the cost of the test.
| S-EPMC6500311 | biostudies-other
Project description:This cross-sectional study explored associations between demographics, pain intensity and cognitions on the one hand and healthcare use (HCU) on the other hand in people undergoing surgery for lumbar radiculopathy. HCU during the 2 months preceding surgery was evaluated using a retrospective questionnaire. Demographics included sex, age and level of education and equivalent income. Back and leg pain intensity were evaluated using a visual analogue scale. Pain cognitions were assessed with the Tampa scale of kinesiophobia, the pain catastrophizing scale and the pain vigilance and awareness questionnaire. The sample comprised 120 participants (52% males; 49 years (Quartile (Q)1-Q3: 37.3-57.43)). The number of visits to the general practitioner was associated with sex (incidence rate ratio (IRR) for males = 0.811; p = 0.050), pain catastrophizing (IRR = 1.010; p = 0.041), pain magnification (IRR = 1.058; p = 0.004) and leg pain intensity (IRR = 1.004; p = 0.038). The number of neurosurgeon visits was associated with level of education (IRR moderate education = 1.518; p = 0.016 (reference: low education)). Receiving zero physiotherapy visits was associated with higher back pain intensity (Beta = 0.018; p = 0.028). Highest level of analgesics used was associated with sex (IRR for males = 0.502; p = 0.047) and leg pain (IRR = 1.014; p = 0.034). Only the association between general practitioner visits and pain magnification remained significant in multivariable analyses (IRR = 1.061; p = 0.033). The results suggest a rather indirect relationship between HCU and demographics, pain intensity and cognitions, involving a potential interplay between several patient- and healthcare system-related factors.
| S-EPMC9821086 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Objectives This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of an integrative complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approach in the management of lumbar herniated disc (LHD) with sciatic pain and investigate pain relapse, use of medical care and surgery rates in patients who actively chose non-surgical CAM treatment for LHD. Study design/Setting This prospective observational study was undertaken at a Korean medicine hospital outpatient setting in Korea. Participants A total of 128 consecutive patients with LHD with a numeric rating scale for leg pain of ≥5 completed 6 months of CAM treatment after recruitment from November 2006, and 73/128 participants (57%) attended follow-up 3 years later. Interventions 6 months of CAM treatment (herbal medicine, acupuncture, bee venom pharmacopuncture, and Chuna manipulation). Primary outcome measures Visual analogue scale (VAS) for low back and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Short Form (SF)-36 Health Survey. Secondary outcome measures Neurological impairment (muscular weakness, sensory loss, Straight Leg Raise test), MRIs, recurrence of low back pain and/or radiating pain, and use of medical care. Results 92 patients could be assessed for surgical state, of whom 4 replied that they had received surgery. 73 patients attended the 3-year follow-up. The baseline VAS of back pain (4.37±2.70) decreased after treatment (0.90±1.01; p<0.001) and was maintained at 3 years (1.12±1.64; p=0.19). The baseline VAS of leg pain (7.57±1.40) also decreased on treatment (0.82±1.18; p<0.001) and was sustained at 3 years (0.99±1.58; p=0.34). ODI scores declined from 40.74±16.15 to 9.84±9.67 (p<0.001), then decreased further to 6.30±7.19 (p<0.01). SF-36 scores increased from 34.96±13.30 to 69.20±14.96 (p<0.001), reaching 76.19±14.45 (p<0.001) at 3 years. 37 patients reported recurrence of pain and most chose CAM treatment for management of relapse symptoms. Conclusions Although the absence of a control group prevents validation of effectiveness, many patients showed favourable long-term outcomes. Trial registration number ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01989403.
| S-EPMC4158220 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background/aimThis study aimed to establish the somatosensory profile of patients with lumbar radiculopathy at pre-and post-microdiscectomy and to explore any association between pre-surgical quantitative sensory test (QST) parameters and post-surgical clinical outcomes.MethodsA standardized QST protocol was performed in 53 patients (mean age 38 ± 11 years, 26 females) with unilateral L5/S1 radiculopathy in the main pain area (MPA), affected dermatome and contralateral mirror sites and in age- and gender-,and body site-matched healthy controls. Repeat measures at 3 months included QST, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and numerous other clinical measures; at 12 months, only clinical measures were repeated. A change <30% on the ODI was defined as 'no clinically meaningful improvement'.ResultsPatients showed a significant loss of function in their symptomatic leg both in the dermatome (thermal, mechanical, vibration detection p < .002), and MPA (thermal, mechanical, vibration detection, mechanical pain threshold, mechanical pain sensitivity p < .041) and increased cold sensitivity in the MPA (p < .001). Pre-surgical altered QST parameters improved significantly post-surgery in the dermatome (p < .018) in the symptomatic leg and in the MPA (p < .010), except for thermal detection thresholds and cold sensitivity. Clinical outcomes improved at 3 and 12 months (p < .001). Seven patients demonstrated <30% change on the ODI at 12 months. Baseline loss of function in mechanical detection in the MPA was associated with <30% change on the ODI at 12 months (OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.09-6.37, p = .032).ConclusionMicrodiscectomy resulted in improvements in affected somatosensory parameters and clinical outcomes. Pre-surgical mechanical detection thresholds may be predictive of clinical outcome.SignificanceThis study documented quantitative sensory testing (QST) profiles in patients with lumbar radiculopathy in their main pain area (MPA) and dermatome pre- and post-microdiscectomy and explored associations between QST parameters and clinical outcome. Lumbar radiculopathy was associated with loss of function in modalities mediated by large and small sensory fibres. Microdiscectomy resulted in significant improvements in loss of function and clinical outcomes in 85% of our cohort. Pre-surgical mechanical detection thresholds in the MPA may be predictive of clinical outcome.
| S-EPMC7496563 | biostudies-literature