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Non-pharmacological interventions in patients with spinal cord compression: a systematic review.

Journal of neuro-oncology
February 1, 2018
María Paniagua-Collado et al. (2 authors)
Journal ArticleSystematic ReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions, including massage therapy, in managing spinal cord compression and related symptoms.

Results Summary

One randomized clinical trial found that massage therapy, using either broad compression massage or light contact touch massage, improved pain control in patients with spinal cord compression. Non-pharmacological interventions, including massage, were generally beneficial for pain management, cardiovascular alterations, and patient well-being.

Population

Patients with spinal cord compression, including those with metastatic spinal cord compression and other causes.

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (11)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
external mobilization and braces
decrease
spinal cord compression
patients
-
possible to manage
#1
external mobilization and braces
decrease
spinal cord compression
patients
-
beneficial
#2
positioning
neutral
the condition
-
-
plays a massive role
#3
positioning
increase
the condition
-
-
can improve
#4
positioning
decrease
the condition
-
-
can worsen
#5
supine position
neutral
-
-
-
overused
#6
supine position
decrease
physical and psychological state
-
-
can have a negative impact
#7
non-pharmacological interventions
increase
pain management
-
-
could be useful
#8
non-pharmacological interventions
decrease
cardiovascular alterations
-
-
could be useful
#9
non-pharmacological interventions
increase
patients' well-being
-
-
could be useful
#10
massage therapy
increase
pain control
-
-
improved
#11
Abstract

Spinal cord compression is a complex and challenging condition that greatly affects the quality of life. Non-pharmacological techniques have only been studied to a very lesser extent; although they are evidence to be beneficial. We performed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) analysis of the scientific literature in several databases (Medline, Cochrane, Scopus, Cuiden, Pubmed, Lilacs and Embase); using the following keywords: spinal cord compression, spine compression, mobilization, positioning, brace and bracing. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria and were finally included in the systematic review. 3 of them were related to metastatic spinal cord compression, 5 to spinal cord compression due to other causes and the last 3 of them regarded the health professional´s knowledge in oncology patients. In all cases, it seems possible to manage spinal cord compression by using external mobilization and braces and that this treatment is beneficial to patients. Positioning plays a massive role in the disease and can improve or worsen the condition when used improperly; the supine position is overused and can have a negative impact both physically and psychologically. Non-pharmacological interventions could be useful for pain management, cardiovascular alterations and patients' well-being. One randomized clinical trial demonstrated that massage therapy, using either broad compression massage or light contact touch massage improved pain control. There is an urgent need of randomized clinical trials with these interventions in order to achieve an improved care of these patients.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
HumansPain ManagementPalliative CareSpinal Cord Compression
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy75/10
Quality80/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations2
Citations/Year0.3
Relative Citation Ratio0.15
NIH Percentile7.5%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.05
Weight Score1.81
Normalized Score0.66
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