1 Guidance
1.1 Limited evidence suggests that non-rigid stabilisation procedures for the treatment of low back pain provide clinical benefit for a proportion of patients with intractable back pain. Current evidence on the safety of these procedures is unclear and involves a variety of different devices and outcome measures. Therefore, these procedures should only be used with special arrangements for consent and for audit or research.
1.2 Clinicians wishing to undertake non-rigid stabilisation techniques for the treatment of low back pain should take the following actions. - Inform the clinical governance leads in their Trusts. - Ensure that patients understand the uncertainty about the benefits of these procedures and the alternative treatment options, and provide them with clear written information. In addition, use of the Institute's 'Understanding NICE guidance' is recommended (available from www.nice.org.uk/IPG183publicinfo). - Audit and review clinical outcomes of all patients undergoing non-rigid stabilisation procedures for the treatment of low back pain.
1.3 Publication of further research will be useful provided that the outcome measures and comparators are well defined. The Institute may review the procedure upon publication of further evidence.