Recommendations for research
The guideline committee has made the following recommendations for research.
Key recommendations for research
1 Pharmacological therapies
What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of opioids for the management of acute sciatica? [2020]
2 Pharmacological therapies
What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of antidepressants for the management of sciatica? [2020]
For a short explanation of why the committee made the 2020 recommendations for research, see the rationale section on pharmacological management of sciatica .
Full details of the evidence and the committee's discussion are in evidence review A: pharmacological management of sciatica.
3 Pharmacological therapies
What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of benzodiazepines for the management of acute low back pain? [2016]
4 Pharmacological therapies
What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of codeine with and without paracetamol for the management of acute low back pain? [2016]
5 Radiofrequency denervation
What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of radiofrequency denervation for chronic low back pain in the long term? [2016]
Other recommendations for research
6 Epidurals
What is the clinical and cost effectiveness of image-guided compared with non-image-guided epidural injections for people with acute sciatica? [2016]
7 Spinal fusion
Should people with low back pain be offered spinal fusion as a surgical option? [2016]
Full details of the 2016 recommendations for research are in the full guideline.