Effect of physical therapy timing on patient-reported outcomes for individuals with acute low back pain: A systematic review with meta analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to investigate the effect of early physical therapy (PT) for the management of acute low back pain (LBP) on patient-reported outcomes of pain and disability, compared to delayed PT or non-PT care.

Literature Survey: Randomized controlled trials in three electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase) were searched from inception to June 12, 2020, and updated on September 23, 2021.

Methodology: Eligible participants were individuals with acute low back pain.

Management of Cardiac Implantable Electrical Devices in Patients Undergoing Radiofrequency Ablation for Spine Pain: Physician Survey and Review of Guidelines.

Background: More patients with cardiac implantable electrical devices (CIEDs) are presenting to spine and pain practices for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedures for chronic pain. Although the potential for electromagnetic interference (EMI) affecting CIED function is known with RFA procedures, available guidelines do not specifically address CIED management for percutaneous RFA for zygapophyseal (z-joint) joint pain, and thus physician practice may vary.

Objectives: To better understand current practices of physicians who perform RFA for chronic z-joint pain with respect to management of CIEDs.

The utility of magnetic resonance imaging results in physician decision-making before initial lumbar spinal injection.

Background Context: The need for advanced imaging before spinal intervention is an area of ongoing debate. Many studies have demonstrated the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results in evaluating structural pathology in the lumbar spine, but few have addressed how frequently MRI findings change clinical management. A randomized controlled trial showed that viewing MRI results did not impact outcomes in patients with radiculopathy undergoing epidural steroid injection (ESI).

Reliability and Practicality of the Core Score: Four Dynamic Core Stability Tests Performed in a Physician Office Setting.

Objective: Pilot study to determine the practicality and inter-rater reliability of the "Core Score," a composite measure of 4 clinical core stability tests.

Design: Repeated measures.

Setting: Academic hospital physician clinic.

Prognostic indicators from electrodiagnostic studies for ulnar neuropathy at the elbow.

Introduction: We examined the prognostic value of electrodiagnostic (EDX) studies for ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE).

Methods: In this retrospective study, EDX results were compared with subjective recovery (resolution of symptoms) and surgery in patients diagnosed with UNE.

Results: Of the 193 patients, 59 with "definite" UNE were included in the analysis.

Lumbar epidural steroid injections: indications, contraindications, risks, and benefits.

The clinical use of lumbar epidural steroid injections has increased dramatically. Although there are certainly beneficial effects to using epidural steroid injections in a treatment regimen for lumbar radicular pain, there is a lack of well designed, placebo-controlled studies to define conclusively specific indications and techniques for different spinal diagnoses. This article reviews the pathophysiology of lumbar radiculopathy and the use of epidural steroid injections as one treatment option, as well as describes their risks and benefits.