Does The Use of Non-Rigid Lumbar Supports Improve Lower Back Pain And Disability?
Literature review research, published in the Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 2022, following analysis of research carried out between 1999 and 2015, concluded that the use of non rigid lumbar supports demonstrated significant improvements in disability and pain (Gignoux P et al, 2022).
One of the biggest challenges for a patient looking for some self help through the use of a lower back/lumbar support is that true scientific comparisons between the different products is either not available or when it is available the variables measured from one study to the next differ too much.
The study carried out my Gignoux P et al, 2022, is believed to be the first literature review to analyse many sources of data, identifying aspects of quantitative data, where like for like could be compared.
Data for this analysis came from groups of patients who were:
- Male and female adults with acute lower back pain on and off over a period of one to three months, with each period of pain lasting for no more than 10 days. Some of these patients had had other treatments that did not help and others had had no other treatment for their recurring non-specific lower back pain; or
- Male and female adults whose initial medical diagnosis indicated they were suffering from acute. sub-acute or chronic lower back pain; or
- Male and female adults who had a non-traumatic work related lower back disorder (i.e lower back pain that had just developed whilst at work) within 8 weeks of the date of diagnosis of an injury.
Patients excluded from the studies included:
Those who suffer from lower back pain after suffering from other conditions first, such as arthritis, herniated discs, lower back surgery, insomnia, depression, hip pain, neck pain, erectile dysfunction, obesity, paralysis, nerve damage, shoulder pain, sleep disorder, urinary frequency or incontinence.
Interestingly one noticeable outcome was that the larger the number of patients that took part in any particular studies, the greater the impact a non rigid lumbar support had on the management of lower back pain.
In conclusion, if a patient is looking for a non-pharmacological based treatment for non-specific lower back pain, then a non rigid lumbar support is a genuine option that could be considered.
VertiBaX Back Care Education, Summary Article 2024
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Disclaimer: Please note that all spinal disorders are different. If you have any concerns about using any of the products discussed, a medical practitioner who knows your specific condition should be consulted.
