Non-pharmacological interventions in patients with spinal cord compression: a systematic review.
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
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
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.