Abstract
Background
Back Pain is a worldwide problem that often interferes with work, daily activities and sleep. The stress and disability experienced at night by individuals with Low Back Pain (LBP) could be reduced by targeted treatments designed specifically for this period. This study aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness of a spinal alignment cushion in the management of LBP when compared to a control group of standardised care.
Methods & Results
71 individuals (30 males, 41 females) with LBP were recruited to the 4-week intervention after screening using the Red Flags and STarT Back tools. Participants were randomly assigned to either the control (standardised care) or intervention group (standardised care plus spinal alignment cushion). Pre and post assessments were taken using the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) (0–24), the Core Outcomes Measure Index (COMI) (0–10), and a Pain and Comfort during Sleep VAS Assessment. Each post assessment was analysed using ANCOVA with corresponding pre-assessment as covariate.
Significant differences were seen in the RMDQ in favour of the intervention group (P = 0.034) over the four week period. Significant differences were also seen in favour of the intervention group in the COMI score (P=0.008), the frequency (P=0.004) and intensity of back pain (P=0.000), joint/muscle stiffness (P=0.046) and intensity of back stiffness (P=0.022).
Conclusions
Overall, this suggests that use of targeted treatments such as a spinal alignment cushion for symptoms at night can provide clinically important and statistically significant improvements for individuals with LBP with high levels of treatment satisfaction and adherence.
