Self-management program for chronic low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Shizheng Du1, Lingli Hu2, Jianshu Dong3
1School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Qixia District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210023, China.
Patient Education and Counseling
|August 25, 2016
Summary
Self-management programs (SMPs) offer a moderate effect on pain and a small to moderate effect on disability for chronic low back pain (CLBP). These programs, including internet-based options, are effective for CLBP management.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Pain Management
- Evidence-Based Practice
Background:
- Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent condition with significant impact on quality of life.
- Self-management programs (SMPs) are increasingly utilized to empower patients in managing their conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of self-management programs (SMPs) for individuals suffering from chronic low back pain (CLBP).
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Elsevier, CINAHL) up to June 2015.
- Included studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessed for quality by two independent reviewers.
- Meta-analyses were performed to synthesize the data on pain intensity and disability outcomes.
Main Results:
- Thirteen moderate-quality RCTs were analyzed.
- SMPs demonstrated moderate effect sizes on pain intensity across immediate, short-term, intermediate-term, and long-term follow-ups (-0.20 to -0.29).
- SMPs showed small to moderate effect sizes on disability at all follow-up periods (-0.19 to -0.28).
Conclusions:
- Moderate-quality evidence supports SMPs as an effective approach for managing CLBP.
- Both face-to-face and internet-based delivery modes of SMPs are viable options.
- Theories underpinning SMPs may enhance their effectiveness in CLBP management.
