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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Back Pain | Research

Recent clinical practice guidelines for the management of low back pain: a global comparison

Authors: Tianyu Zhou, David Salman, Alison. H. McGregor

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is a significant health problem worldwide, with a lifetime prevalence of 84% in the general adult population. To rationalise the management of LBP, clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been issued in various countries around the world. This study aims to identify and compare the recommendations of recent CPGs for the management of LBP across the world.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro, and major guideline databases were searched from 2017 to 2022 to identify CPGs. CPGs focusing on information regarding the management and/or treatment of non-specific LBP were considered eligible. The quality of included guidelines was evaluated using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument.

Results

Our analysis identified a total of 22 CPGs that met the inclusion criteria, and were of middle and high methodological quality as assessed by the AGREE II tool. The guidelines exhibited heterogeneity in their recommendations, particularly in the approach to different stages of LBP. For acute LBP, the guidelines recommended the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), therapeutic exercise, staying active, and spinal manipulation. For subacute LBP, the guidelines recommended the use of NSAIDs, therapeutic exercise, staying active, and spinal manipulation. For chronic LBP, the guidelines recommended therapeutic exercise, the use of NSAIDs, spinal manipulation, and acupuncture.

Conclusions

Current CPGs provide recommendations for almost all major aspects of the management of LBP, but there is marked heterogeneity between them. Some recommendations lack clarity and overlap with other treatments within the guidelines.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Recent clinical practice guidelines for the management of low back pain: a global comparison
Authors
Tianyu Zhou
David Salman
Alison. H. McGregor
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-024-07468-0

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