Effectiveness of Briefer Coping-Focused Psychotherapy for Common Mental Complaints on Work-Participation and Mental Health: A Pragmatic Randomized Trial with 2-Year Follow-Up.

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess short and long-term effectiveness of brief coping-focused psychotherapy (Brief-PsT) compared with short-term psychotherapy (Short-PsT) on work-participation (WP) and mental health. Both treatments were preceded by group education. Methods All participants were on, or at risk of, sick leave due to common mental complaints. Patients were selected for inclusion in this study based on levels of self-reported symptoms ('some' or 'seriously affected') of anxiety and depression. They were randomized to Brief-PsT (n = 141) or Short-PsT with a more extended focus (n = 143). Primary outcome was the transition of WP-state from baseline to 3 months follow-up. In addition, WP at 12 and 24 months follow-up were assessed. The secondary outcome, clinical recovery rate (CR-rate) was obtained from the Beck Depression and Beck Anxiety Inventories, at 2-year follow-up. In addition, self-reported mental health symptom severity, self-efficacy, subjective health complaints and life satisfaction were assessed. Results At 3 months follow-up, the increase in WP was significantly greater in Brief-PsT than in Short-PsT (p = 0.039). At 3 months, 60% in Brief-PsT and 51% in Short-PsT was at work, partial or full. Thereafter, these differences diminished, 84% and 80% were at work at 2-year follow up. The 2-year follow-up of the secondary outcome measurements was completed by 53% in Brief-PsT and 57% in Short PsT. CR-rate was significantly greater in Brief-PsT compared with the Short-PsT (69% vs. 51%, p = 0.024). Furthermore, there was a greater reduction in the number of subjective health complaints in Brief-PsT (4.0 vs. 1.9 p = 0.012). All other measurements favoured Brief-PsT as well, but did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions Brief coping-focused psychotherapy added to group education for persons with depression or anxiety complaints seemed more effective in enhancing early work participation compared with additional short-term psychotherapy of standard duration with more extended focus. Clinical recovery rate and decline of comorbid subjective health complaints at 2-year follow-up were also in favour of the brief coping-focused program.

Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand in an experimental intervertebral disc degeneration.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to clarify the role of the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) in the process of discus degeneration and spondylarthrosis. It was hypothesized that experimental discus lesion would initiate not only local bone remodelling but also increased osteoclast formation on a location remote to the injury site due to altered spinal biomechanics. It was speculated that these changes in vertebral bone remodelling could be reflected in an increased RANKL expression. METHODS: The presence of RANKL in the spine was studied in an experimental perforating lesion of the cranial endplate of L4 and the adjoining disc in six domestic pigs and in one human herniated disc. After three months, the experimental and contiguous control vertebrae, complete with intervertebral discs, were subjected for immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: This is the first study to show that RANKL was locally seen (produced) in osteoblasts, fibroblasts replacing annulocytes and mesenchymal bone marrow cells and, in part, apparently bound to the surface of osteoclasts and macrophage-like prefusion macrophages. Such RANKL induction was also seen at sites remote from the experimental lesion driving the whole process. More RANKL-positive cells were found in close proximity to the endplate than in the central parts of the vertebrae. Osteocytes in bone matrix and most bone marrow cells in the marrow microenvironment showed no RANKL staining. Human annulus fibrosus also contained RANKL, RANK and OPG. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated that RANKL is produced locally, also in soluble form, at the site of injury and also in intact vertebrae and bony structures likely due to altered biomechanics. It seems to be engaged in bone healing and remodelling, essentially proving our working hypothesis. These secondary bone changes could represent part of the degenerative spine disease (spondylarthrosis). RANKL inhibitors, like recombinant human osteoprotegerin (OPG), could be interesting drugs to test, not only in osteoporosis, but also in spondylarthrosis.

Pro-inflammatory, pleiotropic, and anti-inflammatory TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-10 in experimental porcine intervertebral disk degeneration.

The aim of this study was to check the balance between tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in well-developed end-stage disk disease in the disk itself as well as in paradiskal spine. In 6 domestic pigs the cranial bony end plate of the L4 vertebra was perforated to the nucleus pulposus. At 3 months the degenerated experimental and contiguous control disks, together with the adjoining bony and cartilaginous vertebral end plates, bone marrow, and spinal ligaments, were excised and used for immunohistochemical analysis. In general, there were more TNF-alpha and in particular IL-10 positive cells in the degenerated disks than in the control disks, whereas the number of IL-6 labeled cells did not differ among sites or between control and experimental intervertebral disks. These results suggest that TNF-alpha and IL-10 are involved in the late reparatory phases of the experimental disk lesion. Use of an experimental model showed that strictly disk-directed manipulation and degeneration are also reflected in the contiguous vertebrae, including adjoining cartilage, bone, marrow, and ligaments.

Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors coincide with blood vessel in-growth and reactive bone remodelling in experimental intervertebral disc degeneration.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze immunohistochemically the localization of the VEGF receptors in experimental intervertebral disc degeneration tissues in a pig model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In six domestic pigs, the cranial bony endplate of the L4 vertebra were perforated into the nucleus pulposus. Three months postoperatively, the animals were sacrificed and the experimental and control vertebrae, complete with intervertebral discs, were excised and subjected for immunohistochemical staining of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR) along with VEGF - A, -C, -D and blood and lymphatic vessel markers vWF and LYVE-1. RESULTS: The results of immunohistochemical analysis of experimental samples showed VEGFR-1 (Flt-1) expression in intervertebral disc and all paradiscal tissues studied. In control samples expression of VEGFR-1 was lower and absent in the intervertebral discs. Comparatively less of VEGFR-2 (KDR/Flk-1) and VEGFR-3 (Flt-4) than VEGFR-1was found in degenerated intervertebral discs and paradiscal tissues. In contiguous control intervertebral discs and control paradiscal tissues VEGFR-2 and-3 receptors were expressed to a lower extent than in experimental tissues or were even totally absent. Also growth factors VEGF-A, -C, -D, as well as von Willebrand factor and to a much lower extent LYVE-1 were differently expressed in experimental and control intervertebral discs. CONCLUSION: In experimental intervertebral disc degeneration, VEGF receptors were expressed in the damaged disc and paradiscal tissues. In the same tissues, VEGF-A, -C, and -D, signs of blood and lymphatic vessel in-growth and reactive/adaptive vertebral bone remodelling were found.

Systematic review of back schools, brief education, and fear-avoidance training for chronic low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Seven previous systematic reviews (SRs) have evaluated back schools, and one has evaluated brief education, with the latest SR including studies until November 2004. The effectiveness of fear-avoidance training has not been assessed. PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of back schools, brief education, and fear-avoidance training for chronic low back pain (CLBP). STUDY DESIGN: A SR. METHODS: We searched the MEDLINE database of randomized controlled trials (RCT) until August 2006 for relevant trials reported in English. Assessment of effectiveness was based on pain, disability, and sick leave. RCTs that reported back schools, or brief education as the main intervention, were included. For fear-avoidance training, evaluation of domain-specific outcome was required. Two reviewers independently reviewed the studies. RESULTS: Eight RCTs including 1,002 patients evaluated back schools, three studies were of high quality. We found conflicting evidence for back schools compared with waiting list, placebo, usual care, and exercises, and a cognitive behavioral back school. Twelve trials including 3,583 patients evaluated brief education. Seven trials, six of high quality, evaluated brief education in the clinical setting. We found strong evidence of effectiveness on sick leave and short-term disability compared with usual care. We found conflicting or limited evidence for back book or Internet discussion (five trials, two of high quality) compared with waiting list, no intervention, massage, yoga, or exercises. Three RCTs of high quality, including 364 patients, evaluated fear-avoidance training. We found moderate evidence that there is no difference between rehabilitation including fear-avoidance training and spinal fusion. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent recommendations are given for brief education in the clinical setting, and fear-avoidance training should be considered as an alternative to spinal fusion, and back schools may be considered in the occupational setting. The discordance between reviews can be attributed differences in inclusion criteria and application of evidence rules.

Good prognosis for low back pain when left untampered. A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This randomized clinical trial was designed to determine the effect of treating low back pain as a benign, self limiting condition by light normal activity. METHODS: Patients on sickness leave from work for more than 8 weeks were randomized into two groups: intervention (n = 463) and control (n = 512). Those in the intervention group were examined, provided information, and given instruction. Outcome was measured by return or failure to return to work (still on sickness leave). RESULTS: Survival analysis showed a highly significant (P = 0.000) reduction in sickness leave in the intervention group as compared with the control group. At 200 days 60% were still on sickness leave in the control group vs. 30% in the intervention group. A multivariate analysis with age, sex, and treatment as cofactors showed that sex had no effect on length of sickness leave and that treatment retained its effect when adjusting for differences in age composition. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that low back pain treated as a benign, self limiting condition recommended to light mobilization gives superior results as compared to treatment within a conventional medical system.

Patients with low back pain not returning to work. A 12-month follow-up study.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study of patients treated with a light mobilization program for long-term low back pain. OBJECTIVES: To examine whether medical, psychological, or social factors predict failure to return to work within 12 months in the Scandinavian system of compulsory workers' compensation and social insurance, after a light mobilization program administered 8-12 weeks after initial sick leave. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The relative power of predicting factors varies in previous work, and there are no previous data on prognostic factors for light mobilization programs. METHOD: Patients (n = 260) on sick leave for 8-12 weeks for low back pain were examined with a battery of psychological and medical tests, before entering a light mobilization program. The treatment was given regardless of radiographic or clinical findings. The patients were encouraged to be active participants in the management and prevention of their back pain. Their sick leave status then was checked through registers 12 months after they had entered the treatment program. RESULTS: For those not returning to work within 12 months (23%), only combined models had acceptable predictive power (77%; discriminant analyses). Dominant variables were low Internal Health Locus of Control Score, restricted lateral mobility, and reduced work ability. The predictive value of each set of variables, taken alone, was significant only for medical variables (67% correct prediction). CONCLUSIONS: The final discriminant function may have potential as a brief screening instrument for the number of patients with low back pain who do not benefit from the light mobilization program.

Electromyographic response of the porcine multifidus musculature after nerve stimulation.

STUDY DESIGN: In this study, a porcine model was used to study whether a nerve reaction in the anulus fibrosus of a lumbar disc or in a facet joint capsule could cause a muscular response in the multifidus musculature. OBJECTIVES: To determine if there is an interrelationship between the intervertebral disc and facet joint innervation and the multifidus musculature as a possible pain mechanism. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The innervation of the anulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc and the capsule of the facet joint is well described in the literature, although the functions of these nerves are poorly understood. An interrelationship between this innervation and the paraspinal musculature has not been previously described. METHODS: Fifteen adult pigs were used to measure the electromyographic response in the multifidus musculature to electrical stimulation of the lateral region of the disc anulus and the facet joint capsule in the L1-L2 motion segment. Motor unit action potentials were recorded using three sets of bipolar needle electrodes placed into the deepest fascicles of the multifidus, bilateral to the L2, L3, and L4 spinous processes. The effect of lidocaine injection into the facet joint and subperiosteal muscle detachment on the electromyographic response were studied. RESULTS: Stimulation of the disc anulus fibrosus induced reactions in the multifidus on multiple levels and on the contralateral side, whereas stimulation of the facet joint capsule induced reactions predominantly on the same side and segmental level as the stimulation. Introduction of lidocaine into the facet joint resulted in a significantly reduced electromyographic response to either stimulation, with the most drastic reduction seen when stimulating the facet joint capsule. Subperiosteal detachment of the paraspinal muscles prevented any muscular response. CONCLUSIONS: Stimulation of the disc and the facet joint capsule produced contractions in multifidus fascicles. The clinical implications are that there may be interactive responses between injured or diseased structures, i.e., disc or facet joints, and the paraspinal musculature. Activation of the multifidus muscles may have a stabilizing effect, constraining the motion of the lumbar spine. Longstanding muscular contraction may produce ischemic conditions and may be a potential source of pain.

Exploration of physicians' recommendations for activities in chronic low back pain.

STUDY DESIGN: A mailed survey of 142 practicing physicians (63 orthopedic spine surgeons and 79 family physicians) inquiring about their expertise and experience with chronic low back pain, their pain attitudes and beliefs, and recommendations about the appropriate level of function for chronic back pain patients. OBJECTIVES: To explore physicians' recommendations for activity and work for patients with chronic low back pain and to determine factors that might influence these recommendations. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Physicians continuously are asked to recommend the appropriate level of activities and work for patients with chronic low back pain. Although these recommendations can have a significant impact on patients' lives, little is known about the factors that shape recommendations. METHODS: Mailed surveys included questions inquiring about the physicians' demographics, training, and experience in low back pain, the Health Care Providers' Pain and Impairment Relationship Scale, and three vignettes of work-disabled, chronic low back pain patients. After each vignette, physicians rated their perceptions of severity of symptoms and pathology and recommendations for work and daily activities through five graded responses. Three mailings were done within 4 weeks to maximize the response rate. The association of each variable with work and activity recommendations was statistically explored. To assess the influence of clinical expertise on recommendations, the responses of orthopedic spine surgeons were compared with those of family physicians. Test-retest reliability was assessed with a second mailing of the questionnaire to all initial responders. RESULTS: Sixty-five percent of the orthopedic surgeons and 52% of the family physicians responded to the survey. Thirty-nine percent of the initial responders completed the reliability survey. The survey instrument demonstrated modest reliability, with identical recommendations for activities and work occurring 57% of the time. In general, a wide range of activities and work was recommended, with most physicians recommending avoidance of painful activities or greater restrictions. Orthopedic spine surgeons were slightly less restrictive in their activity recommendations compared with family physicians. Most physicians demonstrated some consistency in their pattern of recommendations when compared with their colleagues. Physicians' pain attitudes and belief influenced their recommendations, as did their perception of the severity of the patients' clinical symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians' recommendations for activity and work to patients with chronic back pain vary widely and frequently are restrictive. These recommendations reflect personal attitudes of the physicians as well as factors related to the patients' clinical symptoms.

Five-year follow-up study of a controlled clinical trial using light mobilization and an informative approach to low back pain.

STUDY DESIGN: A controlled clinical trial. OBJECTIVES: To examine the long-term effect of an informative approach to low back pain. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: In management and prevention of low back pain, back school based on an ergonomic approach have played in important role. The effect of such informative interventions is not clear. METHODS: A 5-year follow-up study was done on patients included in a previous study. The outcome was measured by return to work or still on sick leave. The patients were allocated to an intervention group (n = 245) and a control group (n = 244). Only the intervention group was called in for examination and intervention and answered a battery of tests for psychological and health factors. The intervention apart from the clinical examination consisted of education in an "mini back school." The program was based on a new medical model for low back pain. RESULTS: Forty-seven (19%) of the patients in the intervention group, compared with 84 patients (34%) in the control group, were still on sick leave after 5 years (P < 0.001). There were fewer recurrences of sick leave (P < 0.03) in the intervention group than in the control group. Based on Internal Health Locus of Control, number of children, and income, 75% were correctly classified as nonreturners in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that subchronic low back pain may be managed successfully with an approach that includes clinical examination combined with information for patients about the nature of the problem, provided in a manner designed to reduce fear and give them reason to resume light activity.

Interaction between the porcine lumbar intervertebral disc, zygapophysial joints, and paraspinal muscles.

STUDY DESIGN: A porcine model was used to study whether muscular activation in the paraspinal muscles caused by nerve stimulation in the anulus fibrosus of a lumbar intervertebral disc could be altered by saline injection into the zygapophysial (facet) joint. OBJECTIVES: To elucidate possible mechanisms regarding the nerve pathways and interactions between the intervertebral disc, zygapophysial joints, and the paraspinal musculature. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The physiologic basis for chronic low back pain, including muscular spasm, is uncertain. Although extensive research involving the lumbar motion segments and the surrounding tissues has been performed, the neuromuscular connection has not been sufficiently investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three adolescent pigs were used to measure the electromyographic response in the paraspinal musculature to electrical stimulation of the posterolateral L3-L4 anulus fibrosus, before and after introduction of physiologic saline into the zygapophysial joint. Motor unit action potentials were recorded using three sets of needle electrodes placed into the deepest fascicles of the multifidus, bilateral to the L4 and L5 spinous processes, and into the central longissimus musculature, bilateral to the L4 spinous process. RESULTS: Stimulation of the nerves within the posterolateral anulus of the disc elicited reactions in the paraspinal muscles, namely the lumbar multifidus and longissimus. Introduction of physiologic saline into the zygapophysial joint resulted in a reduction in the motor unit action potential amplitude. This reduction was manifested as an immediate and constant reduction, a graded reduction, or a delayed reaction, during which the reduction occurred an average of 5 minutes after the saline injection. CONCLUSIONS: Introduction of physiologic saline into the zygapophysial joint reduced the stimulation pathway from the intervertebral disc to the paraspinal musculature. The zygapophysial joints may therefore have a regulating function, controlling the intricate neuromuscular balance in the lumbar motion segment.

Low back pain: diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

Low back pain seems to be an integral part of most human lives and cause different degrees of suffering and disability. The exact cause of the pain cannot be identified in most instances. The making of the diagnosis rests mainly on the patient's history, location, and duration of the pain. Different diagnostic tests have not been proven to add much information and even advanced imaging seems not to be able to identify where the pain comes from in the majority of cases. In establishing a working relationship between the patient and the health care provider the physical examination may be valuable. If the specific cause for the pain cannot be found, there cannot be any specific treatment applied. The multitude of different treatments offered to patients must be regarded as pain modulating modalities and not as cures for low back pain. There is no treatment that has been proven to be highly effective. The natural history of low back pain seems in general to be favourable, but of concern is the consequence of long term or permanent disability. Fear avoidance behaviour has been shown to be part of the disabling pathway in chronic low back pain. Cognitive interventions, designed to remove fear and uncertainty, and to give the patient the confidence that the back is robust even if it hurts, seem promising.

[A simple therapeutic regime for subacute back pain]. / Et enkelt behandlingsregime for subakutte ryggsmerter.

Low back pain seems to be an intrinsic factor in most people's lives. Its cause is still largely unknown. Several structures have been suggested as important pain generators, but proof is still largely lacking. The prognosis is generally regarded as good, but in some patients acute low back pain progresses into a chronic disorder. Some suggest that our way of handling the problem might be partly responsible for the increase in chronic low back pain during the last forty years. Rather than structural derangement, a functional disturbance in the complex reflex system that coordiantes the network of paraspinal muscles could be the background for the impairment. A guarded behaviour and fear can increase the muscular dysfunction and make the situation worse. A simple regime for an effective fear-avoidance and activation program is outlined. The approach includes a clinical examination combined with information for patients about the nature of the problem, provided in a manner designed to reduce fear and give them reason to resume light normal activity.

Sacroiliac joint involvement in activation of the porcine spinal and gluteal musculature.

In the search for causes of low back pain, the sacroiliac joint has gained renewed interest as a possible pain generator. There is reason to believe that the sacroiliac joint plays a regulatory role involving reflex muscle activation, which controls trunk mobility and stability, as well as locomotion. The aim of this experimental study was to determine whether stimulation of nerves in the sacroiliac joint and joint capsule could elicit contractions in porcine gluteal or lumbar spinal muscles. Via a lateral retroperitoneal approach and using hypodermic needles, bipolar stimulating wire electrodes were inserted into the ventral area of the sacroiliac joint and directly under the surface of the capsular membrane, in 10 adolescent pigs (45 kg). This procedure was performed bilaterally, thus establishing two bilateral stimulation sites in the joints. Six electromyographic electrodes were unilaterally inserted into the following muscles: multifidus, gluteus medius, gluteus maximus, and quadratus lumborum. On stimulation within the ventral area of the joint, predominant responses occurred in both the gluteus maximus and quadratus lumborum muscles. However, when stimulating the capsule, the greatest muscular responses were detected in the multifidus muscles. This study addressed the possible regulatory function of the sacroiliac joint, namely, its involvement in activation of the spinal and gluteal muscles, which help control locomotion and body posture, as well as provide stability on the segmental level in the lumbar spine.

[Patients with chronic degenerative spinal disease--can conservative treatment reduce the waiting list for surgery?]. / Pasienter med kronisk degenerativ rygglidelse--kan operasjonskøen reduseres ved konservativ behandling?

Patients with a degenerative lumbar disorder selected for spinal fusion surgery by an experienced orthopaedic surgeon, were invited to participate in an exercise and behavioural modification programme. The goal was to let the patients experience that it is safe to move. 50 patients; mean age 49 years (19-76 years), mean duration of complaints ten years (2-39 years), agreed to participate. 26 patients had undergone back surgery. 80% were on sick leave or disability pension; 85% had either previously diagnosed psychiatric disorder or high scores for somatization or abnormal illness behaviour. At follow-up, 21 (42%) patients wanted surgery, 8 (16%) were uncertain, and 18 (36%) did not want surgery, 17 patients reported improved main symptoms, 18 were unchanged, and 12 had deteriorated. Previous surgery, illness behaviour and weak trunk muscles were associated with poor improvement and desire for surgery. Age, gender, emotional distress, intensity of pain, neurological or radiological signs or the number of exercise sessions taken did not influence results.