Completion Rates and Clinical Changes of Patients Seeking Non-Invasive Treatment for Low Back Pain in 13 Centres of a Sports Medicine Institute in India

Abstract

Background/Aim: Low back pain (LBP) is the major cause of disability worldwide. The existing treatments are expensive and associated with complications. The present study aimed to determine the proportion of patients completing therapy and rehabilitation phases and describe the changes in self-reported symptoms and functional disability among LBP patients enrolled in a private sports medicine institute. Methods: This is a cohort study involving review of case records. We studied 2 phases out of 3 of non-invasive treatment of LBP: therapy of around 10 days (myofascial trigger point release therapy, cryotherapy, aqua therapy and acupuncture) and rehabilitation of around 3 weeks (muscle strengthening exercises). Results: A total of 443 patients were enrolled; their mean (SD) age was 46 (15) years, 46% were male, and 193 (44%) presented with chronic (>6 months) pain. The numbers of patients who completed the therapy and rehabilitation phases were 327 (74%) and 115 (26%), respectively. The median (IQR) visual analogue scale pain scores were 7 (6–9) at entry, 2 (1–3) at completion of therapy and 1 (0–2) at completion of rehabilitation (p < 0.001). The median (IQR) functional disability scores were 32 (22–53) at entry, 15 (6–26) at completion of therapy and 4 (0–14) at completion of rehabilitation (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Low completion rates were observed. Patients who completed therapy reported reduction in pain and improved functionalities.