Article: NICE Low Back Pain Guidelines

This week saw the publication of low back pain guidelines by NICE (www.nice.org.uk). They summarised the early treatment and management of Non-Specific Low Back Pain which has lasted for more than 6 weeks and less than 12 months.

The guidelines offer an evidence based care pathway for Non-Specific Low Back Pain which recommends promotion of the self-management of symptoms by the patient, effective pain relief and the provision of treatment from one of the following categories:

• A structured exercise programme (lasting up to 12 weeks)
• A course of manual therapy (including spinal mobilisation, manipulation, and massage)
• A course of acupuncture (over a 12 week period)
• If progress is not effective at this stage the guidelines recommend that those patients with high psychological distress or high levels of disability be offered a combined physical and psychological treatment programme which should last for up to eight week and include a cognitive behavioural therapy approach.

Exclusion criteria for the care pathway are patients with suspected malignancy, infection, fracture or Ankylosing Spondylitis (or other inflammatory disorders). Further guidance is also given for the provision of diagnostic tests for patients with Non-Specific Low Back Pain such as X-ray or MRI.

James’ comment.

“Physiotherapists have been treating all types of low back pain for many years, the Non-Specific Low Back Pain NICE guidelines clarify the current best practice based on the evidence that is currently available. Musculoskeletal physiotherapists are key to the delivery of these services, they offer expert skills in manual therapy, acupuncture for pain relief and exercise rehabilitation.”

James Rind Physiotherapy offers evidence based spinal diagnosis treatment and rehabilitation in accordance with the NICE Non-Specific Low Back Pain guidelines. All treatment approaches are provided at various convenient locations within the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan regions. If you have any questions inspired by this article or related to our physiotherapy services please call James on 02920 460467.