Relato de caso de lombalgia inflamatória com extenso comprometimento anatômico-funcional: a importância de uma adequada abordagem da dor lombar na Atenção Primária à Saúde / Case report of inflammatory low back pain with extensive anatomical-functional impairment: The importance of an adequate approach to low back pain in Primary Care / Presentación de un caso de lumbalgia inflamatoria con afectación anatómico-funcional extensa: La importancia de un abordaje adecuado de la lumbalgia en Atención Primaria de Salud

Introdução: A lombalgia é uma condição prevalente e que apresenta importante impacto na capacidade funcional e na qualidade de vida, sendo a sua correta abordagem na Atenção Primária à Saúde fundamental para a identificação e o estabelecimento de um diagnóstico etiológico precoce de possíveis patologias que possam estar relacionadas a desfechos mórbidos e a graves limitações funcionais. Apresentação do caso: Paciente de 56 anos, sexo masculino, hipertenso, foi encaminhado para serviço especializado de reumatologia com histórico de lombalgia havia mais de 20 anos. Ao exame físico foi constatada presença de deformidades da coluna vertebral e extensa limitação de movimentos. Exames radiográficos mostravam esclerose de articulações sacroilíacas, osteopenia difusa e coluna vertebral em aspecto de "bambu". Conclusões: Constata-se a importância de que na abordagem das lombalgias na atenção primária se busque o reconhecimento de possíveis etiologias graves e potencialmente incapacitantes que possam estar subjacentes à queixa de dor lombar. Com esse objetivo, é fundamental o reconhecimento das chamadas red flags relacionadas às lombalgias, além de sua caracterização como mecânica ou inflamatória. Perante a atuação da atenção primária no oferecimento de um cuidado pautado na integralidade e na prevenção de agravos, reafirma-se a importância de uma avaliação clínica pormenorizada das lombalgias nesse nível de atenção à saúde.

Introduction: Low back pain is a prevalent condition that has an important impact on functional capacity and quality of life, and its correct approach in Primary Care is fundamental to the identification and establishment of an early etiological diagnosis of possible pathologies that may be related to outcomes morbid conditions and serious functional limitations. Case presentation: 56-year-old male patient, hypertensive, referred to a specialized rheumatology service with a history of low back pain for over 20 years. Physical examination revealed the presence of spinal deformities and extensive movement limitations. Radiographic examinations showing sclerosis of the sacro-iliac joints, diffuse osteopenia and a "bamboo" appearance of the spine. Conclusions: It is important that in the approach of low back pain in Primary Care, we seek to recognize possible serious and potentially disabling etiologies that may underlie the complaint of low back pain. For that, it is essential to recognize the so-called "red flags" related to low back pain, in addition to its characterization as mechanical or inflammatory. Given the role of Primary Care in offering care based on integrality and in the prevention of injuries, the importance of a detailed clinical assessment of low back pain at this level of health care is reaffirmed.

Introducción: La lumbalgia es una patología prevalente que tiene un impacto importante en la capacidad funcional y la calidad de vida, y su correcto abordaje en Atención Primaria de Salud es fundamental para la identificación y establecimiento de un diagnóstico etiológico precoz de posibles patologías que puedan estar relacionadas con los resultados, condiciones morbosas y limitaciones funcionales graves. Presentación del caso: Paciente masculino de 56 años, hipertenso, remitido a servicio especializado de reumatología con antecedentes de dolor lumbar de más de 20 años. El examen físico reveló la presencia de deformidades de la columna y amplias limitaciones de movimiento. Los exámenes radiológicos muestran esclerosis de las articulaciones sacroilíacas, osteopenia difusa y una apariencia de "bambú" de la columna. Conclusiones: Es importante que al abordar la lumbalgia en Atención Primaria de Salud busquemos reconocer las posibles etiologías graves y potencialmente incapacitantes que pueden subyacer a la queja de lumbalgia. Con este objetivo, es fundamental reconocer las llamadas "banderas rojas" relacionadas con la lumbalgia, además de su caracterización como mecánica o inflamatoria. Dado el papel de Atención Primaria de Salud a la hora de ofrecer una atención basada en la integralidad y prevención de enfermedades, se reafirma la importancia de una evaluación clínica detallada de la lumbalgia en este nivel de atención sanitaria.

Effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment associated with transcranial direct current stimulation in individuals with chronic low back pain: A double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) associated with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in reducing pain, disability, and improving quality of life in participants with non-specific chronic low back pain. DESIGN: A randomised double-blind clinical trial. SETTING: Clinical outpatient unit. SUBJECTS: 72 participants with non-specific chronic low back pain were randomised into three groups: active tDCS + OMT (n = 24), sham tDCS + sham OMT (n = 24), and sham tDCS + OMT (n = 24). INTERVENTIONS: Evaluations were performed before, after the intervention, and one month post-intervention. tDCS consisted of ten 20-minute sessions over two weeks (five sessions per week). OMT was administered once per week, with two sessions conducted before the first and sixth tDCS sessions. MAIN MEASURES: Pain, disability, and quality of life were assessed at baseline, after two weeks, and at one month of follow-up. RESULTS: The visual analogue scale showed a significant decrease in all groups (p < 0.001). However, tDCS + OMT and sham tDCS + OMT demonstrated a clinically significant reduction compared to the sham combination (effect size n² = 0.315). Roland-Morris scores decreased across all groups without specific group effects. EuroQoL 5-Dimension 3-Level improvement was observed only in the tDCS + OMT and sham tDCS + OMT groups (significant difference between T2 and T0, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The combination of OMT and tDCS did not provide clinically significant improvement over OMT alone in participants with non-specific chronic low back pain.

Comparison of US elastography and chemical shift magnetic resonance imaging in multifidus muscle fatty degeneration.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of the use of shear wave elastography (SWE) in comparison to chemical shift encoding (CSE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the evaluation of multifidus muscle fatty degeneration in patients with chronic low back pain. METHOD: Multifidus muscles were evaluated with the CSE-MRI and SWE examinations in control and patient groups. With the in-phase and out-phase sequences in CSE-MRI, signal intensity index (SII), and signal intensity suppression ratio (SISR) values; with the SWE method, shear wave velocity values were determined. Differences in the mean values of these parameters per level and study group were analyzed by Student's t-test. RESULTS: SWE revealed significantly lower stiffness at the L2-3 level, consistent with the signal index values (SII-SISR) showing increased fatty infiltration on MRI in the patient group. No such relationship was found at the L4-5 level or in control group. CONCLUSIONS: SWE may be a promising method to show muscle fatty infiltration at L2-3 level in patients with chronic low back pain.

OBJETIVO: Investigar la viabilidad del uso de la elastografía de ondas de corte en comparación con la resonancia magnética con codificación de desplazamiento químico (RM-CDQ) para la evaluación de la degeneración grasa del músculo multífido en pacientes con dolor lumbar crónico. MÉTODO: Los músculos multífidos se evaluaron con RM-CDQ y elastografía de ondas de corte en los grupos de control y de pacientes. Se consideraron las secuencias en fase y fuera de fase en RM-CDQ, y los valores del índice de intensidad de señal y del índice de supresión de intensidad de señal; con el método de elastografía de ondas de corte se determinaron los valores de velocidad de onda de corte. Las diferencias en los valores medios de estos parámetros por nivel y por grupo de estudio se analizaron mediante la prueba t de Student. RESULTADOS: La elastografía de ondas de corte reveló una rigidez significativamente menor en el nivel L2-3, consistente con los valores de los índices de señal que muestran una mayor infiltración grasa en la RM en el grupo de pacientes. No se encontró tal relación en el nivel L4-5 ni en el grupo de control. CONCLUSIONES: La elastografía de ondas de corte puede ser un método prometedor para mostrar la infiltración grasa muscular a nivel L2-3 en pacientes con dolor lumbar crónico.

The McKenzie Method delivered by credentialed therapists for chronic low back pain with directional preference: systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of the McKenzie Method compared to any conservative interventions on pain and disability in patients with chronic low back pain (LBP) with directional preference (DP). METHODS: We searched six electronic databases up to September 2022. Eligible randomized controlled trials were those assessing the McKenzie Method delivered by credentialed therapists for chronic LBP with DP. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data, assessed risk of bias with the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool and certainty of evidence with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. RESULTS: Five trials (n = 743) were included. There was low-certainty evidence that the McKenzie Method, compared to all other interventions combined, produced clinically important reductions in short-term pain (mean difference [MD] -1.11 points on a 10-point scale; 95% CI -1.83 to -0.40) and in intermediate-term disability (standardized mean difference [SMD] -0.53; 95% CI -0.97 to -0.09). Low-to-moderate certainty evidence showed that the McKenzie Method also resulted in clinically important improvements in short-term pain (MD -1.53; 95% CI -2.51 to -0.54) and disability (SMD -0.50; 95% CI -0.74 to -0.25) when compared specifically to other exercise approaches, and in intermediate-term pain (MD -2.10; 95% CI -2.94 to -1.26) and disability (SMD -1.01; 95% CI -1.58 to -0.43) as well as long-term disability (SMD -0,59; 95% CI -1.14 to -0.03) when compared to minimal intervention. Low-certainty evidence showed usually small, clinically unimportant effects in comparison to manual therapy. CONCLUSION: We found low-to-moderate certainty evidence that the McKenzie Method was superior to all other interventions combined for up to 6 months for pain and up to 12 months for disability, with clinically important differences versus exercise in the short term and versus minimal interventions in the intermediate term. The only clinically important long-term effect was on disability compared to minimal intervention.

Low back pain in beauty salons professionals in the city of Fortaleza-CE.

Introduction: Low back pain can be defined as pain below the ribs and above the upper gluteal line. Objectives: The study aimed to analyze low back pain in professionals from beauty salons in the city of Fortaleza, state of Ceará. Methods: Descriptive, quantitative-qualitative, transversal, non-probabilistic research in the snowball modality, conducted between June and August 2021 in the José Walter neighborhood. Two sociodemographic questionnaires and the Quebec Back Pain Disability scale were applied, which seeks to assess how pain affects the participants' daily lives. Results: Forty-two professionals were interviewed, of which 32 women (76.2%), with a mean age of 39.45 ± 10.99 years. Women were more likely to have an onset of low back pain and to live with pain for a longer time compared to men, in addition to these professionals having a significant overload for the hours worked. 52% of respondents showed significant clinical changes, mainly in relation to stand up for 20-30 minutes (16.7%), sit in a chair for several hours (14.3%), walk several kilometers (19%), carry two bags with groceries (14.3%) and lift and carry a heavy suitcase (28.6%). Conclusions: It was evidenced that low back pain may be related to personal or environmental factors, with a sedentary lifestyle, length of service and working hours as strong indications for the onset of low back pain, with impairment in daily tasks.

Introdução: A dor lombar pode ser definida como uma dor abaixo das costelas e acima da linha glútea superior. Objetivos: Analisar a dor lombar em profissionais de salões de beleza na cidade de Fortaleza, estado do Ceará. Métodos: Tratou-se de pesquisa descritiva, qualiquantitativa, transversal, não probabilística na modalidade bola de neve, realizada entre os meses de junho e agosto de 2021 no bairro José Walter. Foram aplicados dois questionários sociodemográficos e a escala de Quebec Back Pain Disability, que busca avaliar como a dor afeta a vida diária dos participantes. Resultados: Quarenta e dois profissionais foram entrevistados, sendo 32 mulheres (76,2%), com média de idade de 39,45±10,99 anos. O sexo feminino demonstrou ter maior predisposição para o aparecimento da dor lombar, convivendo com a dor por mais tempo em relação aos homens, além dessas profissionais apresentarem uma sobrecarga significativa para as horas trabalhadas. Dos entrevistados, 52% apresentaram mudanças clínicas significativas, principalmente em relação a ficar em pé por 20 a 30 minutos (16,7%), sentar-se em uma cadeira por várias horas (14,3%), caminhar vários quilômetros (19%), carregar duas sacolas de compras (14,3%) e levantar e carregar uma mala pesada (28,6%). Conclusões: Evidenciou-se que a dor lombar pode estar relacionada a fatores pessoais ou ambientais, sendo o sedentarismo, o tempo de profissão e as horas trabalhadas fortes indícios para o aparecimento da dor lombar, com comprometimento das tarefas diárias.

Association between low back pain perception and occupational in hospital nursing professionals.

Introduction: Low back pain can be defined as pain and/or discomfort between the coastal margins of the lowest rib and the gluteal fold, and it can cause motor dysfunction, loss of productivity, and changes in job function. There is a greater number of nursing professionals in hospital environments, and, regardless of their numerical contingent, they have the highest percentage of absenteeism due to this condition. Objectives: To evaluate the association between perception of low back pain and occupational stress in hospital nursing professionals. Methods: Eleven nurses and 95 practical nurses (n = 106) were evaluated on their perception of low back pain (Visual Analogue Scale) and occupational stress (job stress scale) using the Demand-Control Model. The chi-square test was used to assess associations between categorial variables (p < 0.05). Results: Low back pain was reported by 74% of the study sample (n = 81). Assessment of occupational stress using the Demand-Control Model showed that 54.7% (n = 58) had low psychological demand and 63.2% (n = 67) had high control at work. Active work was observed in 33% (n = 35) and low demand at work in 30.2% (n = 32). There were no significantly associations between the perception of low back pain and the occupational stress domains described by the Demand-Control Model (p = 0.721). Conclusions: Although there was a high prevalence of low back pain in this sample of nursing professionals, it was not associated with occupational stress.

Introdução: A dor lombar pode ser definida como dor e/ou desconforto entre as margens costais da última costela e a prega glútea, podendo causar disfunções motoras, perda de produtividade e mudança de emprego. Os profissionais de enfermagem atuam em maior número no âmbito hospitalar e, independentemente de seu contingente numérico, apresentam o maior percentual de absenteísmo devido a essa afecção. Objetivos: Avaliar a associação entre a percepção de dor lombar e o estresse ocupacional em profissionais de enfermagem de âmbito hospitalar. Métodos: Foram avaliados 11 enfermeiros e 95 técnicos de enfermagem (n = 106) quanto à percepção da dor lombar (Escala Visual Analógica) e o estresse ocupacional ( Job Stress Scale) por meio do Modelo Demanda-Controle. A associação entre variáveis categóricas foi avaliada pelo teste de qui-quadrado (p < 0,05). Resultados: Houve prevalência de dor lombar em 74% da amostra (n = 81). A avaliação do estresse ocupacional por meio do Modelo Demanda-Controle evidenciou que 54,7% (n = 58) apresentou baixa demanda psicológica e 63,2% (n = 67) apresentou alto controle no trabalho. O trabalho ativo foi evidenciado em 33% (n = 35) e a baixa exigência no trabalho em 30,2% (n = 32). Não houve associação entre a percepção de dor lombar e os domínios do estresse ocupacional (p = 0,721). Conclusões: Houve alta prevalência de dor lombar, sem que tal sintoma tenha se associado ao estresse ocupacional nos profissionais de enfermagem avaliados.

Efficacy of antidepressants in the treatment of chronic nonspecific low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aim: This study reassesses the efficacy and safety of antidepressants in treating nonspecific chronic low back pain (NCLBP).Materials & methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, including randomized clinical trials (RCTs) from PubMed, Embase, Scopus, LILACS, SciELO and Cochrane CENTRAL, published through August 2024. Studies compared antidepressants with placebo or active comparators. The primary outcomes were pain relief and quality of life. Protocol registration: www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero identifier is CRD42023307516.Results: Nine RCTs involving 1758 patients were analyzed. The antidepressants examined included duloxetine, escitalopram, bupropion, amitriptyline, imipramine and desipramine. Duloxetine 60 mg significantly reduced pain (MD = -0.57; 95% CI = -0.78 to -0.36) and improved quality of life compared with placebo, with side effects that were generally tolerable. Notably, higher doses of duloxetine (120 mg) were associated with an increase in adverse events. However, other antidepressants like amitriptyline and escitalopram demonstrated only modest or inconsistent effects.Conclusion: Duloxetine at 60 mg provides consistent pain relief and improves the quality of life in NCLBP, but higher doses increase adverse events. Escitalopram might offer modest benefits but should be considered a third-line treatment. Other antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, bupropion, imipramine and desipramine, have limited evidence supporting their efficacy and are associated with adverse effects.

Chronic lower back pain is a condition that persists for a long time and can be difficult to manage. While the exact cause isn't always clear, it affects many people and can be difficult to manage. Doctors sometimes prescribe antidepressants, which are typically used for treating depression, but they may also help to reduce pain by influencing how the brain processes it.In this paper, we examined several studies to determine whether these antidepressants are effective in treating chronic lower back pain. We analyzed nine studies involving 1758 participants who were treated with different medications: bupropion, duloxetine, escitalopram, amitriptyline, imipramine and desipramine.Among these medications, duloxetine stood out as the most effective. It not only helped to relieve pain but also improved the participants' ability to carry out daily activities. Additionally, duloxetine had fewer side effects than some of the other medications, although it can still cause mild issues such as nausea.In conclusion, duloxetine appears to be a promising option for managing chronic lower back pain, as long as the appropriate dosage is used to balance pain relief and side effects.

Replacing sedentary time or light physical activity with moderate physical activity is associated with a lower prevalence of back pain: a cross-sectional study using isotemporal analysis: Isotemporal substitution and LBP prevalence.

BACKGROUND: Evidence shows that lack of physical activity and sedentary time are associated with higher prevalence of low back pain (LBP). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between replacing sedentary time and light physical activity with a higher physical activity level with the prevalence of LBP. METHODS: Two hundred and sixty-six individuals from a city in southeastern Brazil were recruited to this cross-sectional study. Sedentary behavior and physical activity level were evaluated using an ActiGraph GT3X tri-axial accelerometer during 7 days. The prevalence of LBP was assessed using the Nordic questionnaire. Isotemporal substitution using logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between replacing an activity with another in the prevalence of LBP. RESULTS: Replacing time spent in sedentary behavior with moderate physical activity slightly reduced the prevalence of LBP (odds ratio [OR]= 0.97; 95% CI: 0.95, 0.98). In addition, replacing time spent in light physical activity with moderate physical activity also slightly reduced the prevalence of LBP (OR= 0.97; 95% CI: 0.95, 0.98). There was no association for replacing sedentary time and light or moderate physical activity with vigorous physical activity on the prevalence of LBP. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a small protective effect for LBP when replacing time in sedentary activities or light physical activity with moderate physical activity.

Effectiveness of Pilates compared with home-based exercises in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain: Randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of a Pilates exercise program compared with home-based exercises in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain. DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial with a six-month follow-up. SETTING: Rehabilitation clinic. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and forty-five individuals (18-50 years of age) with low back pain for ≥ 12 consecutive weeks were enrolled and randomly allocated to either Pilates (n = 72) or home-based exercise groups (n = 73). INTERVENTIONS: Method Pilates (Mat Pilates exercises using accessories) versus home-based exercise (postural exercises, muscle stretching and strengthening, and spine stabilisation/mobilisation), twice a week, for 6 weeks. MAIN MEASURES: Assessments were performed at baseline, post-intervention, and six months follow-up. Outcomes were pain intensity, disability, and health-related quality of life. RESULTS: At post-intervention, the Pilates group had significantly lower pain intensity (mean difference = -1.14; 95% CI -2.05; -0.23), less disability (mean difference = -6.7; 95% CI -11.3; -2.0), and higher health-related quality of life (mean difference = 0.102; 95% CI 0.054; 0151) compared to the home-based exercise group. At follow-up, the Pilates group had a significantly higher health-related quality of life (mean difference = 0.055; 95% CI 0.003; 0.106) compared with the home-based exercise group but there were no significant differences in pain and disability. A significant overall effect of Pilates compared to home-based exercise was found for disability (mean difference = -4.4; 95% CI -7.6; -1.1), and health-related quality of life (mean difference = 0.049; 95% CI 0.022; 0.076), but not for pain. CONCLUSION: Although Pilates was significantly superior to home exercise for pain and disability, the differences were not considered clinically relevant. However, Pilates did provide significant and clinically relevant differences in utility.

Trapezius-rhomboid plane block for myofascial pain syndrome. Description of a new intervention.

Introduction: Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain condition prevalent in the general population. Muscular symptoms at the level of the trapezius and rhomboid muscles are frequent and the response to therapeutic interventions established so far is variable. Methods: We present a case series of six patients who underwent a new technique of interfacial trapezius-rhomboid block (TRB) performed under ultrasonographic guidance by applying 10 cubic centimeters (cc) of analgesic solution (bupivacaine 0.25 % and methylprednisolone 40 mg) in the interfacial plane between the trapezius and rhomboid muscles at the level of the fifth and sixth ribs. Results: At a follow-up of one and eight weeks, measurements of numerical rating scale (NRS) pain intensity were carried out, finding an average decrease of NRS pain intensity by 70 %. Conclusion: This new technique may be considered for the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome of the trapezius and rhomboid muscles. Larger future studies are needed to better establish its safety and efficacy.

Effects of photobiomodulation therapy associated with motor control exercise for chronic non-specific low back pain: protocol for a randomised placebo-controlled trial.

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), as an adjunct therapy to exercise, can reduce pain in musculoskeletal disorders. In addition, PBMT associated with exercise decreases fatigue, accelerates muscle recovery and enhances performance and gain through different training protocols. Although it has not been investigated, the association of PBMT and exercise therapy could be an alternative to improve the positive effects of exercise in patients with non-specific low back pain (LBP). Therefore, we aim to evaluate the effects of PBMT associated with motor control exercise (MCE) versus placebo associated with MCE in patients with chronic non-specific LBP. This is a prospectively registered, two-arm, randomised, placebo-controlled, triple-blind trial. A total of 148 patients with chronic non-specific LBP will be randomised to either active PBMT associated with MCE or placebo PBMT associated with MCE. Treatment sessions will be provided twice a week for 6 weeks. The primary outcomes will be pain intensity and general disability measured at the end of the treatment. The secondary outcomes will be pain intensity and general disability measured 1 month after the end of the treatment, 3, 6 and 12 months after randomisation, in addition to levels of prostaglandin E2 measured at the end of the treatment. Medication intake, cointerventions and adverse events will be measured at all time points. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Irmandade de Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre. The results will be disseminated through scientific publications and presentations at scientific meetings. Trial registration number: NCT05487118.

The Patient Specific Functional Scale - Brazil as an instrument for the functional assessment of patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: Construct validity (hypothesis testing and structural validity) and test-retest reliability.

The objective was to assess the validity and reliability of the Patient-Specific Functional Scale-Brazil (PSFS-B) in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. A methodological study was conducted, and 101 volunteers with chronic non-specific low back pain were interviewed and asked to complete the PSFS-B questionnaire and the Oswestry Disability Index-Brazil 2.0 reference questionnaire. The Oswestry Disability Index-Brazil 2.0 is a standardized tool used to assess functional disability of the lumbar spine. A new assessment (follow-up) was conducted one week later using the same instruments. The COSMIN checklist was utilized as a guide. Two questionnaires were employed to assess patients: the Patient-Specific Functional Scale-Brazil (PSFS-Br) and the Oswestry Disability Index-Brazil 2.0 (ODI-Br). Data were analyzed to assess construct validity (hypothesis testing and structural validity), internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. The statistical methods employed included Pearson's correlation coefficient, confirmatory factorial analysis, Cronbach's alpha, and intraclass correlation coefficient. The results of the Patient-Specific Functional Scale-Brazil demonstrated a moderate negative correlation with the ODI-Br in hypothesis testing (r = -0.691 and r = -0.754) and in structural validity (Comparative Fit Index (0.986), Tucker-Lewis Index (0.958), Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (0.194), and Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (0.134). Furthermore, the instrument demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α = 0.951) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.978), and was additionally validated by the Bland-Altman plot (0.125). In conclusion, the Patient-Specific Functional Scale-Brazil is a valid and reliable tool for the evaluation and follow-up of patients with non-specific chronic low back pain.

Assessing the performance of AI chatbots in answering patients' common questions about low back pain.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy and readability of the answers generated by large language model (LLM)-chatbots to common patient questions about low back pain (LBP). METHODS: This cross-sectional study analysed responses to 30 LBP-related questions, covering self-management, risk factors and treatment. The questions were developed by experienced clinicians and researchers and were piloted with a group of consumer representatives with lived experience of LBP. The inquiries were inputted in prompt form into ChatGPT 3.5, Bing, Bard (Gemini) and ChatGPT 4.0. Responses were evaluated in relation to their accuracy, readability and presence of disclaimers about health advice. The accuracy was assessed by comparing the recommendations generated with the main guidelines for LBP. The responses were analysed by two independent reviewers and classified as accurate, inaccurate or unclear. Readability was measured with the Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES). RESULTS: Out of 120 responses yielding 1069 recommendations, 55.8% were accurate, 42.1% inaccurate and 1.9% unclear. Treatment and self-management domains showed the highest accuracy while risk factors had the most inaccuracies. Overall, LLM-chatbots provided answers that were 'reasonably difficult' to read, with a mean (SD) FRES score of 50.94 (3.06). Disclaimer about health advice was present around 70%-100% of the responses produced. CONCLUSIONS: The use of LLM-chatbots as tools for patient education and counselling in LBP shows promising but variable results. These chatbots generally provide moderately accurate recommendations. However, the accuracy may vary depending on the topic of each question. The reliability level of the answers was inadequate, potentially affecting the patient's ability to comprehend the information.

Does risk stratification with a matched treatment pathway improve clinical outcomes for adults with acute back pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Risk stratification is an approach which has been recommended across a number of international guidelines for the management of back pain. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the use of risk stratification with a matched treatment pathway improves clinical outcomes, when compared with usual care or other interventions, in adults with acute back pain. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted of the databases Medline, Embase, PEDro, CINAHL and Cochrane Library in November 2022. Studies of adults with back pain of less than 3 months' duration and who had been stratified according to their level of risk of a poor functional outcome and provided with a treatment matched to their level of risk were included. Participants with specific and/or serious spinal pathologies were excluded. RESULTS: Five trials involving 3519 participants were included. Meta-analysis found very-low certainty evidence that the use of a risk stratification approach with matched treatment may lead to a very small reduction in pain levels at 3-6 months compared with usual care (MD -0.62, 95 % CI -0.88, -0.36). These results did not achieve clinical significance. No difference was found for the use of risk stratification compared to usual care for disability (MD -1.52, 95 % CI -4.15, 1.11). CONCLUSION: The use of risk stratification with matched treatment may be just as worthwhile as usual care for acute back pain, however the evidence is very uncertain. Further high quality research is required to confirm whether risk stratification is a useful approach for this population. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42022379987.

Lumbalgia y derivación al especialista de columna: situación y recursos en hospitales públicos de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires / Low back pain and referral to the spine specialist: situ ation and resources in Buenos Aires public hospitals

Resumen Introducción: El 90% de las lumbalgias agudas son de causa inespecífica. Existen guías internacionales que permiten identificar a aquellos pacientes que requieren atención especializada. En nuestro país la orientación a la atención primaria de la salud es escasa, centrada prin cipalmente en la atención en los hospitales. El objetivo del presente estudio fue describir los recursos de salud, diagnósticos y terapéuticos, utilizados en la atención inicial de pacientes con dolor lumbar que acuden a la consulta del médico especialista Métodos: Estudio descriptivo y transversal, con re colección prospectiva de los datos a través de un cues tionario destinado a pacientes con dolor lumbar que acuden por primera vez a la consulta especializada. Resultados: Se incluyeron 44 pacientes, edad media 53 años; 50% concurrió por dolor crónico. La derivación informal se asoció con: especialidad de derivación (no traumatólogo), pacientes con mayor número de consul tas a guardia y mayor demora en obtener la consulta. El 52% concurrió con al menos un estudio complementario. Conclusión: La mayor parte de las derivaciones fueron correctas, sin embargo, predominó la derivación infor mal. Solo 1/5 de los pacientes fue examinado y menos del 30% de los pacientes con banderas rojas acudió con estudios complementarios adecuados. La mediana del tiempo de espera para la consulta fue 24 días.

Abstract Introduction: 90% of cases of acute low back pain have no specific underlying cause. International guide lines are available to help identify those individuals who require specialized care. However, in our country, there is a limited emphasis on primary healthcare, with the primary focus on hospital-based care. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the diagnostic and therapeutic resources utilized in the initial care of patients experiencing low back pain at their first con sultation with a specialist physician. Methods: Descriptive and cross-sectional study, with prospective data collection through a questionnaire administered to patients experiencing low back pain during their first visit to a specialist's office. Results: A total of 44 patients were included, with an average age of 53 years; 50% sought medical atten tion for chronic pain. Informal referrals were associated with the referring physician's specialty (non-orthopedic), patients with a higher number of emergency depart ment visits, and longer waiting times to obtain the consultation; 52% of patients arrived with at least one complementary study. Conclusion: Most of the referrals were appropriate; however, informal referrals were more common. Only 1/5 of the patients underwent an physical examination, and less than 30% of those with red flag symptoms presented with suitable complementary studies. The median wait ing time for the consultation was 24 days.

Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the health care providers' pain and impairment relationship scale (HC-PAIRS) in health professionals and university students from Chile and Colombia.

Background: Chronic back pain is a frequent and disabling health problem. There is evidence that ignorance and erroneous beliefs about chronic low back pain among health professionals interfere in the treatment of people who suffer from it. The Health Care Providers' Pain and Impairment Relationship Scale (HC-PAIRS) has been one of the most used scale to assess these misbeliefs, but no studies have been reported in Latin America. Method: We studied the factorial structure of the HC-PAIRS in health personnel and health sciences university students in two Latin American countries: Colombia (n = 930) and Chile (n = 190). Spain's data was taken of the original study of the Spanish version of the HC-PAIRS (171 Physiotherapy students). Additionally, the measurement invariance of this scale among Chile, Colombia and Spain was evaluated by calculating three nested models: configural, metric and scalar. We used a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) in both Latin American samples, with Maximum Likelihood Robust (MLR) estimation to estimate the parameters. For the final model in each sample, reliability was assessed with the Composite Reliability (CR) index, and to obtain the proportion of variance explained by the scale the Average Variance Extracted (AVE) was calculated. Results: The one-factor solution shows an acceptable fit in both countries after deleting items 1, 6, and 14. For the resulting scale, the CR value is adequate, but the AVE is low. There is scalar invariance between Chile and Colombia, but not between these two countries and Spain. Conclusions: HC-PAIRS is useful for detecting misconceptions about the relationship between chronic low back pain that would cause health personnel to give wrong recommendations to patients. However, it has psychometric weaknesses, and it is advisable to obtain other evidence of validity.

Streptococcus anginosus spondylodiscitis causing incapacitating back pain in an immunocompetent patient: A case report.

Pyogenic spondylodiscitis is uncommon and usually presents in the setting of immunosuppression. Streptococcus anginosus group are opportunistic pathogens that rarely cause this infection. We present a case of an immunocompetent 45-year-old male with extreme lower back pain, not even relieved by opioids. A magnetic resonance imaging done the day before arrival showed multiple lumbar disk degeneration and lumbar spondylosis. Initial examinations did not show significant alteration. During inpatient admission, his values of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein increased, and a new magnetic resonance imaging with contrast revealed signs of spondylodiscitis at the L2-L3 level. He underwent open surgery for tissue sampling and stabilization of the affected segment. Blood culture, disk sampling culture, and myeloculture were positive for S. anginosus. Additional examinations were negative for immunosuppression or any underlying condition, and the dental evaluation only showed mild gingivitis. The patient received intravenous antibiotics, and the pain significantly improved after surgery. He was finally discharged and completed 8 weeks of antibiotics. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein values were normal 6 weeks after surgery, and on a 1-year follow-up, the magnetic resonance imaging showed stable post-surgical changes with no signs of infection.

Is low back pain related to the body composition, flexibility, and postural deviations in rural workers?

Introduction: Hard work in the countryside can lead to the onset of pain conditions, which in turn trigger different degrees of labor reduction and musculoskeletal disorders. Low back pain is one of the most common disorders that lead to inactivity, and obesity seems to be associated with the development of low back pain symptoms, since abdominal fat causes mechanical demands in this region due to excessive load. Objectives: To analyze low back pain and its relationship with body composition, flexibility, and posture in rural workers. Methods: Rural workers (n = 55) were grouped according to the presence of low back pain or absence of low back pain symptoms. Body composition, flexibility, and posture were assessed and compared between groups. A principal component analysis was used to group variables to identify possible associations among variables and low back pain. Results: The low back pain group presented greater obesity rates than the group without symptoms. Regarding low back pain prevalence, most of the participants had pain symptoms and showed postural deviations. Principal components analysis showed that the group without symptoms was mainly related to the amount of muscle tissue, while the low back pain group was to the adipose tissue. Conclusions: Low back pain appears to be associated with body composition and postural deviations, while musculoskeletal and adipose tissues are protective and risk factors for low back pain, respectively, in rural workers.

Introdução: O trabalho árduo no campo pode levar ao aparecimento de quadros de dor, que desencadeiam diferentes graus de redução do trabalho e distúrbios musculoesqueléticos. A dor lombar é um dos principais distúrbios que levam a inatividade. A obesidade parece estar associada a dor lombar, pois a gordura abdominal provoca demandas mecânicas nessa região devido à carga excessiva. Objetivos: Analisar a dor lombar e sua relação com a composição corporal, flexibilidade e postura em trabalhadores rurais. Métodos: Trabalhadores rurais (n = 55) foram agrupados de acordo com a presença ou ausência de sintomas. A composição corporal, flexibilidade e postura foram avaliadas. Uma análise de componentes principais foi utilizada para identificar possíveis associações entre as variáveis e a dor lombar. Resultados: O grupo com dor lombar apresentou maiores taxas de obesidade do que o grupo sem sintomas. Em relação à prevalência de dor lombar, a maioria dos participantes apresentava dor e desvios posturais. A análise de componentes principais mostrou que o grupo sem sintomas estava relacionado à quantidade de tecido muscular, enquanto o grupo com dor lombar estava ao tecido adiposo. Conclusões: A dor lombar parece estar associada à composição corporal e desvios posturais, enquanto os tecidos musculoesquelético e adiposo são fatores protetores e de risco para dor lombar, respectivamente, em trabalhadores rurais.

Postural and Lumbopelvic Control: Crucial Factors in the Functionality of Patients with Low Back Pain-A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders in adults worldwide. Alterations in postural and lumbopelvic control and functionality appear to be determining factors in its resolution. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed. Patients with LBP were enrolled. Lumbar pain; postural control (PC), total area of the center of pressure (TACOP), and the velocity of the center of pressure (VCOP); lumbopelvic control (LPC); and functionality were evaluated. Statistical tests were implemented to determine differences between sex and age and correlation models among the variables. Results: Thirty adult patients with LBP were analyzed. A strong relationship was found between pain and functionality [r = 0.64; p < 0.001]. A moderate relationship was found between pain and TACOP [r = 0.395; p = 0.031]. A moderate relationship was observed between TACOP and functionality [0.413; p = 0.023] and between LPC and TACOP [r = 0.416; p = 0.001]. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the significant impact of LBP on postural control, lumbopelvic control, and functionality. These results highlight the importance of addressing postural and lumbopelvic control in LBP treatment. No significant differences based on gender and age were found, but all clinical variables differed significantly between the LBP and control groups, underscoring the unique impairments associated with LBP.

Measurement Properties of Two Questionnaires Assessing Fear-Avoidance in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain.

The Fear-Avoidance Components Scale (FACS) and the Fear of Daily Activities Questionnaire (FDAQ) assess fear-avoidance model components. However, the questionnaires are not available in Brazilian Portuguese. This study aimed to translate the original English FACS and FDAQ into Brazilian (Br) Portuguese and assess their measurement properties in patients with Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP). One hundred thirty volunteers with CLBP participated in this study. Structural validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and hypothesis testing for construct validity were analyzed. Results indicated a 2-factor solution for the FACS-Br, while the FDAQ-Br had a one-factor solution. Internal consistency showed acceptable Cronbach's alpha (alpha >.8). Suitable reliability was found for the FDAQ-Br (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient [ICC] = .98). For both FACS-Br factors, suitable reliability was found as well (ICC = .95 and .94). Hypothesis testing for construct validity confirmed more than 75% of the hypotheses proposed a priori for the FACS maladaptive pain/movement-related beliefs domain and the FDAQ-Br. In conclusion, the FACS-Br and FDAQ-Br demonstrated acceptable reliability, internal consistency, and structural validity measurement properties and their correlation (r < .50) suggests that the tools are not interchangeable measures.