Table 1.
Treatments received by Canadian military Veterans for chronic low back pain
| Treatment* | n (%)† |
|
|---|---|---|
| Tried in the past | Currently using | |
| Over-the-counter medications (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen) | 174 (60) | 154 (53) |
| Opioid analgesics | 146 (50) | 70 (24) |
| Adjuvant medications (e.g., antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs) | 108 (37) | 135 (47) |
| NSAIDs (e.g., naproxen, celecoxib) | 181 (62) | 75 (26) |
| Topical agents | 128 (44) | 81 (28) |
| Muscle relaxants | 170 (59) | 65 (22) |
| Cannabis (i.e., inhaled, oral) | 87 (30) | 157 (54) |
| Injections or other interventional procedures (e.g., corticosteroid injections, nerve blocks) | 141 (49) | 48 (17) |
| Low back surgery | 56 (19) | 16 (6) |
| Physiotherapy | 175 (60) | 158 (55) |
| Chiropractic care | 146 (50) | 112 (39) |
| Psychotherapy (e.g., pain education program, cognitive-behavioural therapy, meditation) | 128 (44) | 100 (35) |
| Complementary and alternative medicine | ||
| Naturopathy or homeopathy | 91 (31) | 41 (14) |
| Acupuncture | 173 (60) | 55 (19) |
| Registered massage therapy | 119 (41) | 170 (59) |
| Osteopathy | 75 (26) | 39 (13) |
NSAIDs = non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
*
Other treatments received or used by respondents not listed included alcohol, aromatherapy, cannabidiol oil or patch, cold pack, faith or religion, footwear or socks, gym program, heating pad, home remedies, hot tub, hydrotherapy, ice bath, inversion table, infrared or laser therapy, low back brace, magnets, massage ball, muscle patches, occupational therapy, Pilates, psychedelics, rehab, rest, roller, shockwave therapy, tai chi, therapy dog, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, vitamins, and yoga.
†
Treatment categories are not mutually exclusive.