Treatment Approaches Utilized in Africa for the Management of Low Back Pain: A Scoping Review

This study aimed to review and describe the scientific literature on approaches used for the management of nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) in Africa.

For this scoping review, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using the EBSCO host platform to search the following databases: CINAHL with full text, MEDLINE with Full Text, PubMed, Springer Nature Journals, Directory of Open Access Journals, Science Direct, Gale OneFile: Health & Med, Google Scholar, and Gale Health & wellness. Articles published between January 1990 and March 2021 were included. We used Boolean operators and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) with the JBI Scoping Review Methodology framework. Results were reported using the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR).

The search yielded 425 articles; 22 articles met the criteria for inclusion. Various disciplines were consulted for the management of NSLBP including primary care medical physicians, physiotherapists, chiropractors, orthopedic surgeons, pastors, and traditional healers. Management of NSLBP involves pain medication as the most common form of treatment. The review suggests that understanding cultural beliefs and biopsychosocial factors is important for managing NSLBP in Africa. Although attempts are being made in some countries to encourage the adoption of international and locally developed evidence-based guidelines, very few practitioners are providing such care.

The peer-reviewed published literature on the treatment of NSLBP in Africa is limited and with few exceptions of low quality. In order to provide a higher level of care for people disabled with NSLBP in Africa considerable further research and greater collaboration and utilization of limited clinical resources are needed.