This article from the European Journal of Pain (2020) is a systematic review of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) across Europe for managing neck and low back pain (NLBP). It synthesizes recommendations to provide clarity on effective treatments and guide clinicians in adopting best practices.
Non-Pharmacological Approaches: There is broad consensus on using non-pharmacological treatments like exercise therapy, manual therapy, and psychological interventions, particularly for chronic or complex cases.
Pharmacological Management: Medications like NSAIDs and opioids are conditionally recommended for short-term use, with limited support for paracetamol in back pain.
Avoidance of Imaging and Bed Rest: Imaging should only be used for red-flag cases, and prolonged bed rest is strongly discouraged.
Multidisciplinary Care: For patients with persistent symptoms, a combination of psychological and physical interventions is recommended.
Consistency and Gaps: Recommendations are generally consistent for neck and back pain, although low back pain has stronger supporting evidence for various interventions.
The guidelines aim to standardize care and emphasize early, active, and non-invasive approaches to treatment. Future recommendations suggest integrating digital tools to aid clinical decision-making.
Purpose of the Study: To improve decision-making in first-contact consultations and promote adherence to evidence-based care by summarizing the most current recommendations.
The article highlights the need for:
A structured, evidence-based approach to treating NLBP.
Prioritizing non-invasive, patient-centered methods.
Avoiding over-reliance on imaging and medication.
Tailoring care to patient subgroups, particularly those at higher risk of chronicity or disability.
How to cite this article: Corp N, Mansell G, StynesS, et al. Evidence-based treatment recommendationsfor neck and low back pain across Europe: Asystematic review of guidelines. Eur J Pain.2021;25:275–295. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.1679
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