Goals of current back pain research include the following:
To compare the effectiveness of surgery versus nonsurgical treatment for low back pain. Although the percentage of people having spinal surgery in the United States has increased sharply over time, there is not much information on whether back surgery is better than nonoperative treatments. One study is comparing the most commonly used surgical treatments to the most commonly used nonoperative treatments for three common back problems: herniated discs of the lumbar spine, spinal stenosis, and spinal stenosis from spondylolisthesis. The study, being conducted at 12 medical centers, will follow patients for at least 24 months after treatment to determine the medical- and cost-effectiveness of treatments.
To identify the best treatments for certain low back pain patients. Just as certain treatments are effective for some back problems and not others, the same treatment may be effective for some people and not others – even if those people have the same medical problem. Researchers at several centers will study more than 3,000 patients who have one of three common causes of back pain – herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis – and who respond well to specific treatments. Extensive testing and surveys will allow doctors to identify the best treatments for these patients.
To test the effectiveness of lumbar fusion and other treatments for disc-derived pain. Discogenic pain is low back pain due to the wearing away of a disc between the vertebrae. While treatment for this condition is often lumbar spinal fusion, its effectiveness, as well as that of other treatments, has not been established. A new study will compare the results of spinal fusion with those of nonsurgical care for patients with similar disc degeneration. Researchers will also try to find out 1) what distinguishes people who choose surgery from those who do not; 2) the consequences of common complications of spinal fusion surgery and how often they occur; 3) what predicts a good response to surgical therapy but not to other treatments; and 4) what are the characteristics and outcomes of patients who have repeat back surgery for this condition.
To measure the frequency of complications in lumbar fusion surgery. Lumbar spinal fusion is a commonly performed procedure for several back problems, including disc degeneration, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, and scoliosis, but the procedure can have complications. A new study will follow 1,000 people who have spinal fusion for one of these diagnoses to find out 1) how often complications occur after surgery, 2) how the rates of specific serious complications vary with different types of lumbar fusion, 3) the consequences of specific types of complications, and 4) the characteristics of treatments or patients that predict particularly severe complications. The information will help doctors better assess the benefits versus the risks of the procedure.
To better understand the relationship between the loss of motor control and low back pain. Compared to people without back problems, those with low back pain show losses in motor control, including problems with trunk muscle response and posture. Some researchers believe that losses in motor control may predispose people to falls that result in back pain. Other researchers think losses in motor control may result from damage sustained by tissue during a fall. To explore the relationship between motor control loss and back pain, scientists will study varsity athletes to determine whether poor motor control of the lumbar spine increases the risk of low back injury. They will also study changes in the lumbar spine motor control of people with low back pain after they complete rehabilitation programs that emphasize motor control training.
To develop and evaluate a psychosocial program for people with acute low back pain. Acute low back pain is a common problem that affects people’s abilities to work and function, and it contributes to high health care costs. There are few studies, however, that prove whether or not a treatment truly reduces limitation and prevents the recurrence of pain. One new project will develop a program to enhance the social support and self-efficacy of people with acute low back pain. After developing and testing the program, researchers will evaluate its effectiveness by comparing the results of 160 participants with those of 160 people receiving usual care.
To evaluate the nervous system mechanisms of low back pain. Scientists think that when a disc ruptures, material leaking from its jelly-like filling leads to inflammation and the release of chemicals that irritate cells within the spinal canal. Scientists believe that the effects of these chemicals on the nerve endings in discs and adjacent tissue lead to low back pain, while the effects on dorsal nerve roots lead to sciatica. One study will test these ideas using a variety of techniques. A better understanding of pain mechanisms related to herniated discs will allow researchers to develop better treatments.
To evaluate an Internet-based patient education program. Patient education can play an important role in managing back pain. Yet taking part in an educational program can be difficult and time-consuming for some people, particularly if they live far from an area where such a program is offered. This study, conducted with patients recruited from Silicon Valley employers and the Internet, will test the effectiveness of an Internet-based education program. Participants will receive a book and videotape, and they will interact with other program participants through a moderated Internet discussion group. Patient assessments will also be conducted through the Internet.
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