Woman Man
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Extract
Background and study aims Acupuncture is a promising treatment for pregnancy-related back pain. Its use for musculoskeletal problems appears to be increasing and it has been recommended within recent UK national guidelines for the management of persistent non-specific low back pain. Although it is already used by some midwives and physiotherapists to treat pregnancy-related back pain, there is only limited, although promising, evidence supporting its usefulness for this patient group. A large study is now needed to test how well acupuncture works for pregnancy-related back pain and whether it is value for money. This study is a pilot study that aims to ensure that the trial processes are acceptable to pregnant women with back pain and to key healthcare professionals. Who can participate? Healthy women aged 18 years and over with pregnancy-related back pain. What does the study involve? Phase 1 comprises a national survey of physiotherapists to explore their current management of pregnant women with back pain, and focus group and one-to-one interviews with pregnant women, midwives and physiotherapists. Phase 2 is a pilot study with 180 pregnant women with back pain, identified from community and antenatal clinics in North Staffordshire. Participants will be randomly allocated to receive either usual care, or usual care plus one of two different forms of acupuncture. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and about 12 weeks after random allocation (to be finalised following the interviews). What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? Women participating in the study may benefit from reduced pain and improved function. Previous research has found acupuncture to be safe for pregnancy-related back pain in terms of adverse influences on the pregnancy, mother, delivery or the baby. Where is the study run from? Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre, Keele University (UK) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? June 2012 to June 2014 Who is funding the study? National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment Programme (UK) Who is the main contact? Prof. Nadine Foster
Inclusion criteria
- Pregnancy-related back pain