The effect of antidepressant treatment on chronic back pain: a meta-analysis

CRD COMMENTARY:

This was a well-conducted systematic review and meta-analysis. The question posed was clear, and the methodology of the search and analysis was appropriate. The quality of the studies was assessed in an appropriate manner, and sufficient details of the included studies were provided to allow the reader to assess the validity of the final conclusions of the review. The authors provided a comprehensive assessment of the limitations of the review.
Nearly all of the studies in the review were underpowered, so the benefits of antidepressants may be greater than found.
No firm conclusion could be drawn on whether antidepressant therapy will be effective in the treatment of low back pain in patients without depression, as most included patients had a mood disorder.