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URL http://www.acatoday.org/JacaDisplay1.cfm?CID=1214
Journal JACA Online. 2006 Jan-feb;43(1):Online access only p 2-10
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Peer Review Yes
Publication Type Article
Abstract/Notes James Cox, DC, DACBR, says the Maine Lumbar Spine Study demonstrates a less-than-stellar treatment record for back and leg pain in the United States. Half the stenosis patients and more than a third of the disc herniation patients found no improvement—and possibly a worsening of their conditions. Even the so-called “improvements,” he points out, may have been relatively insignificant.

Dr. Cox says what this study emphasizes is the need for better treatments for both lumbar spine stenosis and disc herniation. Given their confounding complexity, however, he says better treatments must begin with better diagnoses.

This abstract is reproduced with permission of the publisher. Full text is available by subscription.
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