"Back Rx, a personalized mobile phone application for discogenic chronic low back pain: a prospective pilot study".

Area of Science:

• Digital therapeutics
• Musculoskeletal health
• Pain management

Background:

• Intervertebral disc pathology is a primary cause of chronic lower back pain (CLBP).
• Conservative treatment options for discogenic axial CLBP are limited.
• The Back Rx mobile application offers a virtual coach-assisted exercise program for CLBP management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the Back Rx mobile application in treating patients with discogenic axial CLBP.
• To assess the impact of the app on pain reduction, functional improvement, and medication intake.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study enrolled 75 patients aged 18-65 with axial CLBP and lumbar disc pathology confirmed by MRI.
• Symptomatology was evaluated at baseline and after 3 months of app usage.
• Primary outcome: Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain; Secondary outcomes: functionality, medication intake, app adherence, and patient satisfaction.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in average VAS pain scores (5.17 to 3.8, P=0.016) and functionality was observed.
• A statistically significant decrease in weekly pain medication intake (P=0.001).
• App compliance was 52%, with 65% of patients reporting good or excellent satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• The Back Rx app demonstrated effectiveness in reducing pain and enhancing function for patients with discogenic axial CLBP.
• Strategies to improve patient compliance with the app and program are necessary for optimal outcomes.