Table 3.
Adjusted comparison of symptoms and findings of patients with low back pain at different healthcare settings.
| Variable | GP | DC | PT | SC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ref | OR (CI 95%)** | OR (CI 95%)** | OR (CI 95%)** | |
| Symptoms: | ||||
| Radiating pain beneath knee level | 1 | 0.47 (0.34;0.65)* | 0.59 (0.42;0.83)** | 2.62 (1.82;3.78)* |
| Multi-site pain | 1 | 0.65 (0.47;0.89)* | 1.31 (0.95;1.82) | 0.99 (0.70;1.43) |
| Functioning | ||||
| Sleep | 1 | 0.80 (0.60;1.05) | 0.09 (0.74;1.32) | 1.31 (0.95;1.81) |
| Emotionally | 1 | 0.78 (0.56;1.01) | 1.22 (0.86;1.71) | 2.03 (1.40;2.92)* |
| Physically | 1 | 1.20 (0.86;1.66) | 1.44 (0.99;1.96) | 3.42 (2.22;5.28)* |
| Sick-listed | 1 | 0.44 (0.30;0.65)* | 0.70 (0.47;1.05) | 2.12 (1.38;3.26)* |
| None | 1 | 1.05 (0.67;1.62) | 0.74 (0.47;1.18) | 0.30 (0.16;0.56)* |
| Findings: | ||||
| Abnormal Neurology*** | 1 | 0.53 (0.36;0.78)* | 0.77 (0.52;1.14) | 2.19 (1.42;3.36)* |
| Suspected nerve root compression*** | 1 | 0.75 (0.44;1.23) | 0.59 (0.34;1.02) | 0.84 (0.47;1.54) |
GP: General practitioner; DC: Chiropractor; PT: Physiotherapist; SC: Spine Centre.
*p < 0.05, **Odds ratios are adjusted for age, gender, consultation number, and symptom duration, ***The analysis excludes patients without a neurological examination.