Effectiveness of Treatment Strategies for Low Back Pain. Abstract, Executive211 Summary and Final Report

摘要

The specific goals of this project were: For patients with sciatica or spinal211u001estenosis, to compare long-term functional and work-related outcomes of surgical 211u001eand nonsurgical treatments. To assess the impact of back pain guidelines and 211u001ehealth reform efforts on regional and national trends in back surgery rates, 211u001ereoperation rates, spinal fusion rates, and nonsurgical hospitalization rates. To 211u001ecomplete a survey of alternative care providers, including acupuncturists, 211u001emassage therapists, and naturopaths, regarding the proportion of their patients 211u001ewith back pain, the diagnostic and therapeutic methods they employ, and time 211u001espent with each patient.