The LTU patients had a mean (SD) overall satisfaction of 8.19 (2.08) on a 10-point scale, with 10 representing excellent. The mean change (based on a 10 point scale) in pain interference with work outside the home was 2.70, with activity inside the home was 3.03, with social activity was 2.79, and with pain relief was 2.47 (p<0.001). Positive vales show decreased pain interference and increased pain relief.
The mean change (reduction) in medications was:
narcotic/analgesic, -0.277 (p<0.001);
tranquillisers, -0.021 (p<0.05);
muscle relaxants, -0.043 (p<0.01);
nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), -0.088 (p=0.003);
steroids, -0.016 (p=0.014).
The percentage of mean change in other therapies was:
physical therapy/occupational therapy (PT/OT), -55.8;
chiropractic, -12.8;
Rx medication, -26.1;
no therapies, 30.8.
P was <0.001 for all categories.
Patient perceptions of change (in terms of the difference between 'yes' and 'no' answers) were: activity level 31.8%, pain management 71%, help in return to work 72.4%. All differences had p values of <0.0001. The patient perception of change in medication use difference figure was 1.6%, (p=0.826).