Effectiveness of in-patient rehabilitation for sub-chronic and chronic low back pain by an integrative group treatment program (Swiss Multicentre Study).

In this multicentre intervention study, we compared an integrated group treatment program which combines psychological and education methods into a more active training approach, with the traditional individual approach of physiotherapy and physical procedures for sub-chronic and chronic low back pain. Our 411 patients had a 4-week inpatient treatment: 243 patients in an experimental program and 168 in a traditional program. Outcomes of 283 patients were assessed 3 months and 1 year after entry.

[Nutrition and chronic polyarthritis].

Patients suffering from chronic and incurable diseases often try to influence their symptoms by dietary modification. The effect of complete fasting on pain in rheumatoid arthritis is remarkable, but not fully understood. Polyunsaturated fatty-acids, specially omega-3-fatty-acids from fish oil, are significant as precursors of mediators for inflammation.

[Prognosis in ankylosing spondylitis].

Based on the literature we describe the prognosis and natural history of ankylosing spondylitis. The data on mortality are controversial and it seems that only a small group of patient show a decreased survival. It is a chronic disease with most prominent features of pain and increasing stiffness during the first decade.