High-quality controlled trials on preventing episodes of back problems: systematic literature review in working-age adults.

Background Context: Back problems (BPs), with their cost and disability, are a substantial burden for individuals, employers, and society.

Purpose: This systematic review of controlled trials evaluates the effectiveness of interventions to prevent BP episodes in working age adults.

Data Sources: We searched MEDLINE/EMBASE through May 2007, and COCHRANE/Trials Registry through August 22, 2008 using search terms of back pain, back injuries or sciatica, linked to prevention, control, workplace interventions, or ergonomics and searched article bibliographies.

Chronic pain, depression, and the dexamethasone suppression test.

In most healthy individuals, dexamethasone suppresses adrenal cortisol production. However, in patients with major depression, non-suppression frequently occurs and thus may be a marker for depression. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship of dexamethasone suppression test (DST) non-suppression to clinical variables such as major depression, site and duration of pain, prior surgery, and medication use in 81 chronic pain patients beginning inpatient pain treatment (Inpt.