Targeted Treatment for Low Back Pain
Author Information
Author(s): Elaine M Hay, Kate M Dunn, Jonathan C Hill, Martyn Lewis, Elizabeth E Mason, Kika Konstantinou, Gail Sowden, Simon Somerville, Kanchan Vohora, David Whitehurst, Chris J Main
Primary Institution: Arthritis Research Campaign National Primary Care Centre, Primary Care Sciences, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
Hypothesis
Is subgrouping using a novel tool combined with targeted treatment better than best current care at reducing long-term disability from low back pain?
Conclusion
The STarT Back Trial aims to determine if a targeted treatment approach for low back pain is more effective than standard care.
Supporting Evidence
- Back pain is a major health problem affecting millions each year.
- Subgrouping patients may lead to better-targeted treatments.
- Previous studies suggest that psychosocial factors are important in predicting chronic back pain.
Takeaway
This study is trying to find out if treating back pain patients based on their specific needs helps them feel better than just giving everyone the same treatment.
Methodology
Participants aged 18 and over with non-specific low back pain will be recruited from GP practices and randomly assigned to receive either targeted treatment or best current care.
Limitations
The study may face challenges in implementing subgrouping in clinical practice and ensuring accurate identification of patient subgroups.
Participant Demographics
Participants will be aged 18 years and over, with non-specific low back pain.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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