Internet App to Self-Manage Occasional Low Back Pain

Randomized Controlled Trial of Internet App to Self-Manage Occasional Low Back Pain

Nonspecific low back pain (NLBP) is the diagnosis for 85% of low back pain sufferers with no underlying medical cause (e.g., herniated disc, spinal stenosis) that requires physician care. Treatment, however, is impractical for many physicians to implement during office visits, and there are relatively few providers for NLBP treatment that follow national pain control guidelines. This study evaluated the efficacy of an on-line intervention using desktop computers or mobile technology to help users self treat NLBP occurrences and to engage in activities to decrease future occurences.

Methods. A total of 606 adults, 18 years of age and older were recruited, screened, and consented online. They were assessed on-line at baseline, at two months weeks, and at four months After the baseline assessments, participants were randomized into NLBP treatment (TX), alternative website control (AWC), and no-contact control groups. The TX and AWC groups received 8 weekly emails prompt to visit their respective experimental websites.

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Inclusion Criteria:

• suffered low back pain in previous 3 months
• employed or family of employee

Exclusion Criteria:

• on-going medical care for low back pain
• positive response to questions about symptoms which medically disqualify potential participant