Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Low Back Pain
Title of study: Effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave for low back pain: A protocol of systematic review
Authors: Wei Wei, MM, Hua-yu Tang, MM, Yu-zhi Li, MB, Tian-shu Wang, MM
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has been used to treat low back pain (LBP), but its effectiveness and safety are still being debated. To clarify the issue, a systematic review was conducted to assess the effectiveness and safety of ESWT for LBP patients.
The review searched electronic databases for randomized controlled trials and case-control studies that assessed the effectiveness and safety of ESWT for LBP. The primary outcome of interest was pain intensity, while secondary outcomes included functional status, quality of life, psychological outcomes, and adverse events. Two authors independently conducted the study selection, data extraction, and methodology evaluation.
The study found that ESWT may be effective in reducing pain intensity and improving functional status, quality of life, and psychological disorders in patients with LBP. Overall, the findings of this study provide guidance for clinicians on the use of ESWT as a treatment for LBP.