Recommendations for research

The guideline committee has made the following 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]

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.

  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)