Efficiency of neuroreflexotherapy intervention (NRT) in the treatment of low back pain in the working population.

Background.

NRT intervention has proven to be effective and efficacious in the treatment of back pain suffered by the general population.

The working population has some characteristics different from the general population. Age, occupational strain, the degree of satisfaction with the job, etc, all have an influence.

Moreover, low back pain is the main cause of occupational and health expenditure of the Public System and the Employers' Mutual Insurance of labor accidents.

It is thus necessary to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of NRT intervention in the treatment of low back pain in the working population.

Objective.

To assess the savings produced by the use of NRT intervention in the treatment of back pain among workers attended by an Employers' Mutual Insurance of labor accidents in terms of health and labor costs.

Methodology.

The study population includes all persons 18 to 65 years of age with back pain due to occupational accidents and attended by the Mutua Universal in Madrid. Patients with lesions of traumatic etiology of less than 6 months were not participants in the study.

The study includes 96 patients, who are randomly assigned to two groups. Patients in the control group are treated through the procedures currently in use at Mutua Universal. The study group, additionally, receives NRT interventions when appropriately indicated.

All patients are followed during one year, assessing their evolution and health, as well as cost to the Mutua.

Participants, jointly with the Foundation's Scientific Department.

Medical Department of the Central Region of Mutua Universal, of labor accidents. Health Services Research Unit of the Carlos III Institute (Madrid).

Unidad de Investigación en Servicios de la Salud del Instituto Carlos III (Madrid)

Co-financed by the Kovacs Foundation and Mutua Universal.

Status.

On-going.