Obesity, Weight Loss, and Low Back Pain: An Overview for Primary Care Providers—Part 2

^1,2Darren M. Roffey PhD; ¹Simon Dagenais DC, PhD, MSc; ³Ted Findlay DO, CCFP; ^4,5Travis E. Marion MD, MSc; ⁶Greg McIntosh MSc; ^1,2,4,5Eugene K. Wai MD, MSc, FRCSC
¹University of Ottawa Spine Program, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, ²Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON,
³Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, ⁴Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, ⁵Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, ⁶CBI Health Group, Toronto, ON,

Abstract
Obesity and low back pain are equally complex medical conditions with multi-factorial etiologies. Their clinical practice guidelines both include recommendations for screening and examination that can be easily implemented. There is sufficient information to compile a framework for the primary care provider, partnering with the patient and appropriate specialists, to manage obesity and low back pain in a structured fashion. Weight loss and exercise are paramount and should be recommended as the first options. Cognitive behavioural therapy, pharmacological treatment and bariatric surgery may then be implemented sequentially depending upon the effectiveness of the initial interventions.
Key Words: Obesity, low back pain, exercise, nutrition, cognitive behavioural therapy, bariatric surgery, weight loss, pharmacological, evidence-based guideline.

Obesity, Weight Loss, and Low Back Pain: An Overview for Primary Care Providers—Part 1

^1,2Darren M. Roffey PhD; ¹Simon Dagenais DC, PhD, MSc; ³Ted Findlay DO, CCFP; ^4,5Travis E. Marion MD, MSc; ⁶Greg McIntosh MSc; ^1,2,4,5Eugene K. Wai MD, MSc, FRCSC
¹University of Ottawa Spine Program, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, ²Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON,
³Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, ⁴Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, ⁵Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, ⁶CBI Health Group, Toronto, ON,

Abstract
Recognizing that the increasing incidence of obesity coincides with the rising prevalence of LBP, there is growing interest in establishing the relationship between over-weight and back pain. It is likely that any association is multi-factorial and that the connection is not as mechanistically simple as previously believed. Systemic inflammation associated with obesity may be an important contributor. Proposed treatment options vary from cognitive behavioural therapy to bariatric surgery with none yet fully proven. Despite the ambiguity, it appears prudent for primary care providers treating obese patients with LBP to recommend weight loss and exercise.
Key Words: Obesity, low back pain, inflammation, intervertebral disc, multi-factorial, causality, association.

Pharmacological Options in the Management of Low Back Pain

Dr. Ted Findlay, DO, CCFP, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta.

Mohammed F. Shamji, MD, PhD, FRCSC, Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Abstract
Low back pain is one of the most common conditions for which patients seek medical attention. It can be managed with lifestyle modification, or less commonly medical and surgical intervention. Appropriate selection among various pharmacological options mandates an understanding of the underlying symptomatology and the over-riding treatment plan and objectives. The range of potential medications is substantial: over-the-counter analgesics include acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and weak opioid combinations including codeine or tramadol. More potent versions of many of the same components are available on prescription, commonly employing stronger opioids either singly or in a combination analgesic. When the pain involves either chronic or neuropathic features, other classes of medications, including anti-epileptic drugs and anti-depressants, may be appropriate.
Key Words: low back pain, acute, chronic, neuropathic pain, nociceptive pain, medications.

Indications for Rehabilitation in Acute Low Back Pain: Making a Correct Referral

Dr. Julia Alleyne, BHSc(PT), MD, CCFP, Dip. Sport Med MScCH, is a Family Physician practising Sport and Exercise Medicine at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network. In addition, she trained as a physiotherapist and maintained an active license for 30 years. She is appointed at the University of Toronto, Department of Family and Community Medicine as an Associate Clinical Professor.

Greg McIntosh, MSc, completed his Masters in Epidemiology from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine. He is currently the Director of Clinical Research for CBI Health Group and research consultant to the Canadian Spine Society.

Abstract
This article helps clinicians decide on appropriate referral to rehabilitation professionals while answering some of the common questions that clinicians are often asked by low back patients. The evidence for appropriate rehabilitation techniques will be interwoven into this article to promote a critical appraisal approach to evaluating rehabilitation outcomes. At the conclusion of this paper, clinicians should be able to identify best practices for rehabilitation referral.
Key Words: Low back pain, indications, rehabilitation, inter-professional referral.

Spinal Cord Stimulation for the Management of Neuropathic Pain in Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

Mohammed F. Shamji MD, PhD, FRCSC, Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Alina Shcharinsky RN (EC), MN, CNN(C), Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Abstract
Chronic pain is a complex disease state associated with substantial individual disability and suffering alongside societal economic impact. The entity of neuropathic pain is a diagnosis of specific clinical characteristics and underlying pathophysiology. Failed back surgery syndrome represents persistent neuropathic leg pain following structurally corrective spinal surgery, often being refractory to escalated pharmacological management. In appropriately selected patients, spinal cord stimulation is a surgical technique that may offer reduced disability and pain, and improved economic outcomes for patients where medical management has been unsuccessful. Contemporary technological advances continue to improve this approach with greater success, lessened morbidity, and expanding indications.
Key Words: failed back surgery syndrome, neuropathic pain, spinal cord stimulation, neuromodulation.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Quick Facts

Abstract
From time-to-time we select a topic and present the information and facts in an exciting and visually informative format. Today our choice of condition to present as an infographic is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, an important topic for which we are also developing a CME program that is scheduled for release later this year.
Keywords:  lumbar spinal stenosis, low back pain.

Identifying and Managing Caregiver Burden Among Spouses of Individuals with Parkinson's Disease

Kaitlyn Roland, MSc, Research Assistant, Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC.
Andrew M. Johnson, PhD, Associate Professor, School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON.
Mary E. Jenkins, BSc(PT), BEd, MD, FRCPC, Associate Professor of Neurology, Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON.

Abstract
Burden is a psychological concept, a subjective interpretation by caregivers of the extent to which the caregiving experience impacts on one's health, social life, or financial status. In this article, we examine some of the predictors of caregiver burden, and look specifically at the burden experienced by caregivers of individuals with Parkinson's disease.
Keywords: Parkinson's disease, psychological health, physical health, caregiver burden

Identification and Management of Impulse Control Disorders Among Individuals with Parkinson’s Disease

Andrew M. Johnson, PhD, Associate Professor, School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Western Ontario,
London, ON.
H. Christopher Hyson, MD, FRCPC, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON.
Kaitlyn P. Roland, MSc, Research Assistant, Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies, The University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC.

Abstract
Although Parkinson’s disease is primarily considered to be a motor disorder, it has inarguable effects on cognition and personality. The cluster of neuropsychiatric sequelae known as impulse-control disorders has been of particular interest in recent years, perhaps owing to the potentially disastrous effects that such behaviors can have on individuals and families. Research has suggested that impulse control disorders are significantly more prevalent among individuals with Parkinson’s disease, particularly with regards to pathological gambling and hypersexuality, and has further suggested that these disorders are significantly and substantively affected by the use of dopamine agonists. Treatment options for impulse control disorders tend to revolve around dopamine agonist dose reduction or cessation. The use of psychosocial strategies, or deep-brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus may also be considered in the management of patients with impulse control disorders.
Keywords: Impulse control disorders, Parkinson’s disease, dopamine agonists service use.

Diagnosis and Management of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

Amitabh Gupta, MD, Clinical Fellow, Movement Disorders Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, ON.
Susan Fox, MD, Assistant Professor, Movement Disorders Centre, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, ON.

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare, fatal neurodegenerative disease with limited treatment options that is characterized by gait and postural instability and a classical vertical supranuclear gaze palsy. Initially often misdiagnosed as idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (IPD), proper patient care in PSP may be delayed until late into the disease course, after dopaminergic medication fails to improve symptoms. Here, we review the diagnostic criteria that help to separate PSP from IPD and rarer forms of parkinsonian diseases to help clinicians with earlier recognition. We discuss current treatment concepts as well as ongoing experimental approaches that are derived from an emerging pathological understanding.
Key words: progressive supranuclear palsy, clinical diagnosis, imaging, differential diagnosis, management.