Completed Cochrane Reviews
This list has links to the scientific abstract, synopsis (lay summary), other publications and media releases as indicated. The most recent publication date in The Cochrane Library is also listed. A current list of the Back Group's reviews can be obtained on the Cochrane Library web site, and search for "hm-back." Or go to Wiley web site and select "back."
Acupuncture and dry-needling for low-back pain. Issue 1, 2005 (updated)
(abstract & synopsis) (Spine)
Published: Spine, 2005, April 15;30(8):944-963
Acupuncture for neck disorders. Issue 3, 2006
(abstract & synopsis) (media alert) (Spine)
Published: Spine, 2007, January 15;32(2):236-243
Advice to stay active as a single treatment for low-back pain and sciatica. Issue 2, 2002
(withdrawn until update completed) (Linkages) (Spine)
Published: Spine, 2002, Aug 15;27(16):1736-1741 (refers to 2002 review)
Antidepressants for non-specific low-back pain. Issue 3, 2009 (update)
(abstract & synopsis) (media alert) (HBNS news alert)
Back schools for non-specific low-back pain. Issue 1, 2005 (updated)
(abstract & synopsis) (Spine)
Published: Spine, 2005, 30(19):2153-63
Bed rest for acute low-back pain and sciatica. Issue 4, 2004 (updated)
(abstract & synopsis) (Spine)
Published: Spine, 2005; 30(5):541-6
Behavioural treatment for chronic low-back pain. Issue 1, 2005 (updated)
(abstract & synopsis) (Spine)
Published: Spine 2000; Oct 15;25(20):2688-2699
Braces for idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents. Issue 1, 2010
(abstract & synopsis) (Podcast)
Chinese herbal medicine for chronic neck pain due to cervical degenerative disc disease. Issue 1, 2010
(abstract & synopsis)
Conservative treatments for whiplash. Issue 2, 2007 (updated)
(abstract & synopsis) (Spine)
Published: Spine 2001; Feb 15;26(4):E64-E73 (refers to 2000 review)
Electrotherapy for neck disorders. Issue 4, 2009 (updated)
(abstract & synopsis) (Spine)
Published: Spine 2005; November 1; 30(21):E641-E648 (refers to 2005 review)
Exercises for mechanical neck disorders. Issue 3, 2005
(abstract & synopsis)
Exercises for prevention of recurrences of low-back pain. Issue 1, 2010
(abstract & synopsis)
Exercise therapy for treatment of non-specific low back pain. Issue 3, 2005 (updated)
(abstract & synopsis) (Annals of Internal Medicine) (Practice Perspectives )
Published: Annals of Internal Medicine 2005 May 3;142(9):776-85.
Summary for patients in: Annals of Internal Medicine 2005 May 3;142(9):I72.
Published: Annals of Internal Medicine 2005 May 3;142(9):765-75.
Summary for patients in: Annals of Internal Medicine 2005 May 3;142(9):I71
Herbal medicine for low-back pain. Issue 1, 2006
(abstract & synopsis) (media alert) (Spine)
Published: Spine 2007; January 1;32(1):82-92
Individual patient education for low-back pain. Issue 1, 2008 (updated)
(abstract & synopsis) (media alert)
Injection therapy for subacute and chronic low-back pain. Issue 3, 2008 (updated)
(abstract & synopsis) (Spine)
Published: Spine 2001; Mar 1;26(5):501-515 (refers to 1999 review)
Insoles for prevention and treatment of low-back pain. Issue 4, 2007
(abstract & synopsis) (media alert) (Spine)
Published: Spine 2009; Apr 20; 34(9):924-933.
Low level laser therapy for non-specific low-back pain. Issue 2, 2008 (updated)
(abstract & synopsis)
Lumbar supports for prevention and treatment of low-back pain. Issue 2, 2008 (updated)
(abstract & synopsis) (Spine) (new -- Podcast)
Published: Spine 2001; Feb 15;26(4):377-386 (refers to 2000 review)
Manipulation or mobilisation for neck pain. Issue 1, 2010 (updated)
(abstract & synopsis) (Spine)
Published: Spine 2004; July 15; 29(14):1541-8 (refers to 2004 review)
Manual material handling advice and assistive devices for preventing and treating back pain in workers. Issue 3, 2007
(abstract & synopsis) (BMJ)
Published: BMJ 2008; Jan 31; e-pub ahead of print
Massage for low-back pain. Issue 4, 2008 (updated)
(abstract & synopsis) (media alert) (Spine)
Published: Spine 2009; Jul 15; 34(16):1669-84. (refers to 2008 review)
Massage for mechanical neck disorders. Issue 3, 2006
(abstract & synopsis) (Spine)
Published: Spine 2007; February 1; 32(3):353-362
Mechanical traction for neck pain with or without radiculopathy. Issue 3, 2008
(abstract & synopsis)
Medicinal and injection therapies for mechanical neck disorders. Issue 3, 2007 (updated)
(abstract & synopsis) (The Journal of Rheumatology)
Published: The Journal of Rheumatology 2006; 33(5):957-967 (refers to 2005 review)
Multidisciplinary biopsychosocial rehabilitation for chronic low-back pain. Issue 1, 2002
(withdrawn until update completed) (Linkages - pdf) (BMJ - pdf download)
Published: BMJ 2001;322:1511-1516
Multidisciplinary biopsychosocial rehabilitation for subacute low-back pain among working age adults. Issue 2, 2003 (updated)
(abstract & synopsis) (Spine)
Published: Spine 2001; Feb 1;26(3):262-269
Multidisciplinary biopsychosocial rehabilitation for neck and shoulder pain among working age adults. Issue 2, 2003 (updated)
(abstract & synopsis) (Spine)
Published: Spine 2001; Jan 15;26(2):174-181
Muscle relaxants for non-specific low-back pain. Issue 4, 2003
(abstract & synopsis) (media alert) (Spine)
Published: Spine 2003; Sept 1;28(17):1978-1992
Neuroreflexotherapy for non-specific low-back pain. Issue 4, 2009 (updated)
(abstract & synopsis) (Spine)
Published: Spine 2005, March 15;30(6):E148-153 (refers to 2005 review)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for low-back pain. Issue 1, 2008 (updated)
(abstract & synopsis) (media alert) (new -- Podcast) (HBNS news alert) (Linkages) (Spine)
Published: Spine 2008; Jul 15;33(16):1766-74.
Opioids for chronic low-back pain. Issue 3, 2007
(abstract & synopsis)
Patient education for neck pain with or without radiculopathy. Issue 4, 2008
(abstract & synopsis)
Physical conditioning programs for improving work outcomes in workers with back pain. Issue 1, 2010 (updated)
(abstract & synopsis) (Spine)
Published: Spine 2003; Oct 1;28(19):E391-E395 (refers to 2003 review)
Prolotherapy injections for chronic low-back pain. Issue 4, 2009 (updated)
(abstract & synopsis) (Spine)
Published: Spine 2004; Oct 1;(29)(19):2126-2133 (refers to 2004 review)
Radiofrequency denervation for neck and back pain. Issue 1, 2003
(abstract & synopsis) (Spine)
Published: Spine 2003; Aug 15;28(16):1877-1888
Rehabilitation after lumber disc surgery. Issue 4, 2008 (updated)
(abstract) (Spine) (media alert) (new -- Podcast) The 4th most popular podcast of Issue 4!
Published: Spine 2009; Aug 1;34(17):1839-1848 (refers to 2008 update)
Single or double-level anterior interbody fusion techniques for cervical degenerative disc disease. Issue 4, 2004
(abstract & synopsis)
Spinal manipulative therapy for low-back pain. Issue 1, 2004
(abstract & synopsis) (Annals of Internal Medicine, and abstract (web page))
Published: Ann Intern Med. 2003; 138:871-881
Superficial heat or cold for low back pain. Issue 4, 2005
(abstract & synopsis) (media alert) (Spine)
Published: Spine 2006; 31(9):998-1006
Surgical interventions for lumbar disc prolapse. Issue 2, 2007 (updated)
(abstract & synopsis) (Spine)
Published: Spine 1999; Sept 1;24(17):1820-1832 (refers to 1999 review)
Surgery for cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy. Issue 1, 2010 (updated)
(abstract & synopsis)(Spine)
Published: Spine 2002; Apr 1;27(7):736-747 (refers to 2001 review)
Surgery for degenerative lumber spondylosis. Issue 4, 2005 (updated)
(abstract & synopsis) (Spine)
Published: Spine 2005; October 15; 30(20):2312-2320
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for chronic low-back pain. Issue 4, 2008 (updated)
(abstract & synopsis) (Spine)
Published: Spine 2005; December 1; 30(23):2657-2666 (refers to 2005 review)
Traction for low-back pain with or without sciatica. Issue 2, 2007 (updated)
(abstract & synopsis) (Spine)
Published: Spine 2006; June 15; 31(14):1591-1599 (refers to 2005 review)
An updated list of reviews can also be obtained at http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/topics/51.html