Cochrane

Review question Does yoga improve back-related function and pain in people with chronic non-specific low back pain? Background Low back pain is a common health problem. For some people, it may last for three months or more and at this point it is termed 'chronic'. Yoga is sometimes used as a treatment for low back pain. Search date We searched ...

Review question: we reviewed the evidence about the effect of stretch in people who had or were vulnerable to joint deformities. Background: we wanted to know whether stretch interventions are effective for the treatment and prevention of joint deformities (also known as contractures) in people with neurological and non-neurological conditions. Some ...

Review question To evaluate the effectiveness of motor control exercise (MCE) in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (LBP). Background Motor control exercise is a popular form of exercise that aims to restore co-ordinated and efficient use of the muscles that control and support the spine. Patients are initially guided by a therapist ...

Research question We reviewed studies on the effects of aquatic exercise training for people with fibromyalgia on wellness, symptoms, fitness, and adverse effects. Background: what is fibromyalgia and what is aquatic training? People with fibromyalgia have persistent, widespread body pain and often experience symptoms such as fatigue, stiffness, ...

This summary of a Cochrane review of 22 studies with 8275 participants (search update: 15 August 2012) presents what we know from research about the effect of opioids on osteoarthritis (OA). We searched scientific databases for clinical trials looking at pain, function, safety, and addiction of oral or transdermal opioids compared with placebo or no ...

Review question We reviewed the evidence on the effects of rehabilitation programmes on pain, recovery, function and return to work in people who have had lumbar disc surgery. Background A 'slipped' or 'herniated' disc is thought to be the most common cause of leg pain associated with a 'pinched' or compressed nerve in the lower back. Many patients ...

Spinal stenosis occurs when the canal that the spinal nerves go through narrows and presses on nerves, causing pain in the back or legs. It tends to happen more often in older people. Surgery can help reduce the pressure, but although most patients find that their leg pain improves, back pain isn't always helped, and people still have problems carrying ...

Researchers in The Cochrane Collaboration conducted a review of the effect of folic acid or folinic acid for people taking methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis. After searching for all relevant studies, six studies with up to 624 people were included in the review. Their findings are summarized below. In people with rheumatoid arthritis who take methotrexate ...

This summary of a Cochrane review presents what we know from research about the effects of herbal therapies applied to the skin in people with osteoarthritis. The review shows that in people with osteoarthritis: Arnica gel probably improves pain and function as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do; Capsicum extract gel probably will ...

This review describes the understanding of a common practice for checking for spinal injuries when patients come to a family practice doctor, back pain clinic or emergency room with new back pain.  Doctors usually ask a few questions and examine the back to check for the possibility of a spinal tumor.  The reason for this check for tumors is that the ...