Self-reported Management of Back Pain by Community Dwelling Adults: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review is to identify strategies that community dwelling adults use to manage chronic back pain. Methods: Studies were eligible for inclusion if the study participants were at least 18 years of age, and currently suffering from back pain and living in the community. Excluded were reports on individuals who were institutionalized. The articles had to be written in English language. We searched Pubmed, Embase, and conducted citation searches on identified articles. Two researchers independently reviewed studies for inclusion, and extracted data from identified studies. Any differences were resolved by consensus. Data were extracted on strategies used to manage pain and outcomes. Data were analyzed by constructing tables to report types of strategies used and outcomes. Main Results: A total of 1929 study reports were identified; 9 were included in the systematic review. The primary strategy to manage back pain was using medications. 5 studies reported the use of opioids. All studies except one reported the use of anti-inflammatories. Studies also reported the use of psychological strategies (e.g. coping strategies), physical strategies (e.g. exercise), and remedies (e.g. rest). Most studies were cross sectional, participants were 29-49 percent male, average age (31-66). All studies were of community dwelling adults. Conclusions Medication was the primary strategy used to manage back pain. Opioids, and anti-inflammatories were the most common classes of medications. The most commonly reported non-medication strategy were physical strategies. Only limited information was provided on all the other strategies.