This Comparative Effectiveness Review was published in April 2020 by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). This publication provides an updated systematic review of the literature on conservative treatment approaches for common chronic pain conditions, including low back pain (LBP), neck pain, knee/hip osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and tension headache. Study authors Skelly et al determined that noninvasive, nonpharmacological interventions are safe and that several result in improved pain levels and physical function lasting at least 4 weeks, with variation in effectiveness depending on the specific pain condition. For example, exercise is effective for all the pain conditions listed above except for tension headache and spinal manipulation is effective for LBP and tension headache, while massage is effective for LBP, NP, fibromyalgia (myofascial release).
This paper is important because the majority of treatments evaluated are frequently either provided or recommended by doctors of chiropractic. Further, several can be included in virtual care programs as they either fit under the category of self-care
(mindfulness techniques, yoga) or can be appropriately managed via telehealth (exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy).
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