Does the diagnosis influence the outcome in a multimodal outpatient pain management program for low back pain and sciatica? A comparative study

Figures & data

Table 1 Treatment regime (frequency of modalities in hours per week)

Type of therapy	Frequency
Medical control	2 × daily
Exercise therapy	4 × weekly
Spinal injections	2–8 injections
Back school	4 × weekly
Medical training therapy	4 × weekly
Sport therapy	4 × weekly
Spa therapy	4 × weekly
Massage	4–5 × weekly
Electrotherapy	4–5 × weekly
Fango	4–5 × weekly
Behavioral (relaxation) therapy	2 × weekly
Feldenkrais	2 × weekly
Traction therapy	1–5 × weekly
Walking	1 × weekly
Ergotherapy	1 × weekly
Psychosomatic therapy	1–2 × weekly*

Note:

* Group therapy (variable individual sessions 1–2 × weekly).

Figure 1 Boxplots comparing the reduction of pain (A) and functional disability (B).

Table 2 Subgroup characteristics and outcomes

	Sciatica group	Low back pain group
Total (n)	107	49
Sex
Male	46	16
Female	61	33
Age (years)
Mean	57	61
Range	22–79	28–78
Baseline pain intensity (NRS 10-point scale)	6	6
Baseline functional impairment (ODI%)	34	35
Pain intensity after 3 weeks (NRS)	2	2
Functional impairment after 3 weeks (ODI%)	23	24
Pain reduction (Δ NRS/%)	4/66%	4/66%
Functional improvement (Δ ODI/%)	11/32.35%	11/31.43%

Abbreviations: n, number; NRS, numerical rating scale; ODI, Oswestry Disability Index.