Evidence map›Paper›PMID 29573870›Full record

ReviewLancet (London, England)2018

What low back pain is and why we need to pay attention.

Jan Hartvigsen, Mark J Hancock, Alice Kongsted, Quinette Louw, Manuela L Ferreira, Stéphane Genevay, Damian Hoy, Jaro Karppinen, Glenn Pransky, Joachim Sieper and 3 more

22 registry-linked trialsOpen access · bronzeAbstract readReview
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Review in Lancet (London, England), 2018. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. It is linked to 22 registered trials, which are not on this map. Cited by 2,084 papers, 12 of them syntheses that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2,084citing papers in PubMed, 12 pooled it
238.5field-weighted citation impact, top 1% of its field
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

NCT07731256 phase2not yet recruitingstarted 2027, after this paper: background citation

A Randomized-Controlled Trial of Semaglutide for Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain and Obesity

Ran2027Enrolled250Registered outcomes13Posted comparisons0ConditionsChronic Lower Back Pain, glp1 Agonist, Lower Back Pain, Obesity (BMI>30)ArmsPlacebo (administered by PDS290 pen-injector), Semaglutide (administered by PDS290 pen-injector)
PMID 39476339PMID 37385275PMID 39301951PMID 20007994PMID 27537761PMID 28192789PMID 31797139PMID 32125402PMID 32520773PMID 34051018PMID 35507483PMID 35606809other papers from this trial
Open the trial in the graph
NCT04230850 nacompletednot on this mapstarted 2020, after this paper: background citation

The Effects of Stretching Versus Static and Dynamic Cupping on Lumbar Range of Motion

TypeinterventionalSponsorUniversity of South CarolinaRan2020 to 2020Enrolled45ConditionsStiffness, SpineArmsStatic Cupping, Dynamic Cupping, Stretching
NCT04542798 naunknown statusnot on this mapstarted 2020, after this paper: background citation

Central Sensitization and Aberrant Nerve Sprouting Possible Explanations for RFA Failure of MBDR in CLBP of FJ Origin: CRF Versus WCRF or PRF-DRG Randomized Clinical Trial

TypeinterventionalSponsorHospital General Universitario de ValenciaRan2020 to 2024Enrolled80ConditionsLow Back Pain, Recurrent, Neuropathic Pain, Facet Joint Pain, Central SensitisationArmsRadiofrequency COSMAN
NCT05052840 nacompletednot on this mapstarted 2021, after this paper: background citation

Effects of Back Muscles Endurance Training on Pain, Disability, Endurance and Lumbar Flexibility in Patients With Chronic Mechanical Low Back Pain

TypeinterventionalSponsorRiphah International UniversityRan2021 to 2022Enrolled28ConditionsMechanical Low Back Pain, Paraspinal Muscles, Muscle Stretching ExercisesArmsMuscle endurance training (MET), Conventional Treatment
NCT05336500 nacompletednot on this mapstarted 2022, after this paper: background citation

Effectiveness of Education to Keep the Abdomen Relaxed Versus Contracted During Pilates Exercises in Patients With Primary Chronic Low Back Pain: a Randomised Controlled Trial

TypeinterventionalSponsorCentro Universitário Augusto MottaRan2022 to 2023Enrolled152ConditionsLow Back PainArmsPilates method exercises
NCT05706103 narecruitingnot on this mapstarted 2021, after this paper: background citation

Efficacy of Specific Skilled Motor Versus General Exercise Training on Peripheral Muscle and Central Brain Alterations in Patients with Recurrent Low Back Pain

TypeinterventionalSponsorUniversity GhentRan2021 to 2025Enrolled62ConditionsLow Back Pain, RecurrentArmsSpecific skilled motor training, General extension training
NCT05811260 nacompletednot on this mapstarted 2023, after this paper: background citation

Effects of Myofascial Release Versus Post Facilitation Stretch Techniques on Pain,Range of Motion And Disability in Chronic Non Specific Low Back Pain.

TypeinterventionalSponsorRiphah International UniversityRan2023 to 2023Enrolled28ConditionsChronic Non Specific Low Back PainArmsMyofascial Release technique, Post facilitation stretch .
NCT05877469 nacompletednot on this mapstarted 2023, after this paper: background citation

Effects of Mat Pilates Versus Functional Training on Pain, Range of Motion and Disability in Mechanical Low Back Pain

TypeinterventionalSponsorRiphah International UniversityRan2023 to 2023Enrolled44ConditionsMechanical Low Back PainArmsMat pilates Training, Functional Training
NCT05963815 recruitingnot on this mapstarted 2023, after this paper: background citation

Spine Patient Reported Outcome Measures: a Cohort Observational Study

TypeobservationalSponsorPark Medical centrumRan2023 to 2030Enrolled4,000ConditionsLumbar Disc Herniation, Spondylolisthesis, Spinal StenosisArmsSpine surgery
NCT05986370 narecruitingnot on this mapstarted 2023, after this paper: background citation

The METRIC Study Protocol: an Explanatory Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Neurophysiological Mechanisms Underlying the Therapeutic Effects of Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Chronic Primary Low Back Pain

TypeinterventionalSponsorUniversité du Québec à Trois-RivièresRan2023 to 2026Enrolled112ConditionsChronic Low-back PainArmslumbar spinal manipulative therapy, sham spinal manipulative therapy, full spine spinal manipulative therapy
NCT06099470 nacompletednot on this mapstarted 2023, after this paper: background citation

Investigation of the Effects of Synchronized and Non-synchronized Telerehabilitation Programs in the Management of Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain.

TypeinterventionalSponsorYeditepe UniversityRan2023 to 2023Enrolled72ConditionsChronic Non-specific Low Back PainArmsReal-time synchronized telerehabilitation program (STP)., Pre-recording non-synchronized telerehabilitation program (NSTP), Home non-supervised control group (HCG)
NCT06151704 nacompletednot on this mapstarted 2022, after this paper: background citation

The Effect of High-power Laser Therapy on Pain, Functional Disability, Range of Motion and Pressure Pain Threshold in Subjects With Radicular Low Back Pain Due to Intervertebral Disc Herniation: A Double-blind Randomised Controlled Trial

TypeinterventionalSponsorIran University of Medical SciencesRan2022 to 2024Enrolled36ConditionsRadiculopathy, Lumbosacral Region, Radiculopathy LumbarArmsHigh intensity laser therapy, Motor control exercise
NCT06169488 narecruitingnot on this mapstarted 2024, after this paper: background citation

The Lumbar Interbody Fusion vs. Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation (LIFEHAB) Trial

TypeinterventionalSponsorOslo University HospitalRan2024 to 2030Enrolled202ConditionsChronic Low-back PainArmsLumbar Interbody Fusion, Multidisciplinary rehabilitation
NCT06330792 naunknown statusnot on this mapstarted 2024, after this paper: background citation

Effect of Bio-mechanical Awareness and Core Stability Exercises on Mechanical Low Back Pain Among Egyptian Physiotherapists

TypeinterventionalSponsorCairo UniversityRan2024 to 2024Enrolled66ConditionsMechanical Low Back PainArmsbio-mechanical awareness, core stability exercises
NCT06431503 nacompletednot on this mapstarted 2023, after this paper: background citation

Effect of Tok-Sen Massage for Non-specific Low Back Pain

TypeinterventionalSponsorChina Medical University HospitalRan2023 to 2024Enrolled12ConditionsNon-specific Chronic Low Back PainArmsTok-Sen Massage, Pressure Massage
NCT06703671 narecruitingnot on this mapstarted 2025, after this paper: background citation

The Efficacy and Safety of Electroacupuncture Compared With Sham Acupuncture in Patients With Discogenic Low Back Pain: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

TypeinterventionalSponsorBeijing HospitalRan2025 to 2026Enrolled240ConditionsDiscogenic Low Back PainArmselectroacupuncture group, sham-acupuncture group
NCT06793254 completednot on this mapstarted 2022, after this paper: background citation

Translation, Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Italian Version of Functional Rating Index in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain

Typeobservational_patient_registrySponsorUniversity of CagliariRan2022 to 2025Enrolled104ConditionsLow Back PainArmsThis is a non-interventional study
NCT06896812 nanot yet recruitingnot on this mapstarted 2025, after this paper: background citation

A Pilot Study on App-based Treatment Combining Physical Exercise, Graded Activity, and Pain Journaling for Patients with Spinal Complaints

TypeinterventionalSponsorZuyderland Medisch CentrumRan2025 to 2025Enrolled30ConditionsBack Pain, Spinal Disease, Spinal ConditionArmsThe app-based treatment consists of a combination of physical exercise, graded activity, and pain journaling.
NCT07172828 nanot yet recruitingnot on this mapstarted 2025, after this paper: background citation

Investigation of the Effects of Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation on Muscle Architecture, Balance Control, and Patient Satisfaction in Individuals With Chronic Low Back Pain

TypeinterventionalSponsorHacettepe UniversityRan2025 to 2026Enrolled48ConditionsChronic Low Back Pain (CLBP), Musculoskeletal Pain, Postural Balance, Exercise TherapyArmsVirtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation, Conventional Motor Control Exercises
NCT07176845 not yet recruitingnot on this mapstarted 2025, after this paper: background citation

Exploring Multidimensional Trajectories in People With Low Back Pain

TypeobservationalSponsorBern University of Applied SciencesRan2025 to 2028Enrolled600ConditionsAcute Low Back Pain, Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP)ArmsObservational
NCT07345871 nanot yet recruitingnot on this mapstarted 2026, after this paper: background citation

Investigating the Effectiveness of Connective Tissue Dry Needling Technique on Patients With Low Back Pain Caused by Local Pain at Superior Posterior Iliac Spine: a Single-blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

TypeinterventionalSponsorUniversity of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation ScienceRan2026 to 2026Enrolled42ConditionsChronic Low Back Pain (CLBP), Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction, Mechanical Low Back PainArmsConnective tissue dry needling, Exercise therapy
NCT07482527 nanot yet recruitingnot on this mapstarted 2026, after this paper: background citation

Thoracic Mobility Versus Hip Mobility Exercises to Core Stabilization in Lumbar Spondylitis

TypeinterventionalSponsorCairo UniversityRan2026 to 2026Enrolled60ConditionsIndividuals With Lumbar SpondylosisArmsGroup A : Core stabilization exercises (control group), Group B: Thoracic Mobility Exercises (1st experimental group only), Group C: Hip Mobility Exercises (2nd experimental group only)
3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2,084 citing papers in PubMed, 12 syntheses or guidelines pooled it, 4,408 citations in OpenAlex.

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  16. 'It Felt Safe'. Experiences With an Early Cognitive Behavioural Approach After Lumbar Spinal Surgery: A Qualitative Study of Participants' Perspectives.Physiotherapy research international : the journal for researchers and clinicians in physical therapy · 2026
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2,024 more citing papers are in PubMed but not listed here.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

13 authors at 12 institutions in 9 countries.

Jan HartvigsenDepartment of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Nordic Institute of Chiropractic and Clinical Biomechanics, Odense, Denmark.
Mark J HancockDepartment of Health Professions, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
Alice KongstedDepartment of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Nordic Institute of Chiropractic and Clinical Biomechanics, Odense, Denmark.
Quinette LouwFaculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Physiotherapy Division and Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa.
Manuela L FerreiraInstitute of Bone and Joint Research, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Stéphane GenevayDivision of Rheumatology, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
Damian HoyUniversity of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Jaro KarppinenMedical Research Centre Oulu, University of Oulu and University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.
Glenn PranskyDepartment of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA USA.
Joachim SieperDepartment of Rheumatology, Charité, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany.
Rob J SmeetsDepartment of Rehabilitation Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands; Libra Rehabilitation and Audiology, Eindhoven, Netherlands.
Martin UnderwoodWarwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK. Electronic address: m.underwood@warwick.ac.uk.
Lancet Low Back Pain Series Working Group
University of Sydney · AUMacquarie University · AUNordisk Institut for Kiropraktik og Klinisk Biomekanik · DKCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin · DEStellenbosch University · ZAUniversity Hospital of Geneva · CHUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical School · USUniversity of Oulu · FIUniversity of Warwick · GBLibra Revalidatie & Audiologie · NLMaastricht University · NLUniversity of Southern Denmark · DK

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Low back pain is a very common symptom. It occurs in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries and all age groups from children to the elderly population. Globally, years lived with disability caused by low back pain increased by 54% between 1990 and 2015, mainly because of population increase and ageing, with the biggest increase seen in low-income and middle-income countries. Low back pain is now the leading cause of disability worldwide. For nearly all people with low back pain, it is not possible to identify a specific nociceptive cause. Only a small proportion of people have a well understood pathological cause-eg, a vertebral fracture, malignancy, or infection. People with physically demanding jobs, physical and mental comorbidities, smokers, and obese individuals are at greatest risk of reporting low back pain. Disabling low back pain is over-represented among people with low socioeconomic status. Most people with new episodes of low back pain recover quickly; however, recurrence is common and in a small proportion of people, low back pain becomes persistent and disabling. Initial high pain intensity, psychological distress, and accompanying pain at multiple body sites increases the risk of persistent disabling low back pain. Increasing evidence shows that central pain-modulating mechanisms and pain cognitions have important roles in the development of persistent disabling low back pain. Cost, health-care use, and disability from low back pain vary substantially between countries and are influenced by local culture and social systems, as well as by beliefs about cause and effect. Disability and costs attributed to low back pain are projected to increase in coming decades, in particular in low-income and middle-income countries, where health and other systems are often fragile and not equipped to cope with this growing burden. Intensified research efforts and global initiatives are clearly needed to address the burden of low back pain as a public health problem.

Indexed as

AdultAgedAttentionCost-Benefit AnalysisCost of IllnessDelivery of Health CareFemaleHumansLow Back PainMaleMiddle AgedPersons with DisabilitiesRecurrenceSocial Class

Identifiers

PMID29573870
OpenAlexW2790410554

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

and 16 more above

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.