Citations of previous versions of the method guidelines in published scientific articles (1997: 254 citations; 2003: 209 citations, searched February 10, 2009) suggest that others may find these guidelines useful to plan, conduct, or evaluate systematic reviews in the field of spinal disorders.

Interventions for preventing and treating low-back and pelvic pain during pregnancy.

Analysis 2.1. Comparison 2 Low-back pain: water gymnastics + usual prenatal care versus usual prenatal care, Outcome 1 Number of women taking sick leave because of back pain after 32 weeks' gestation.. .. .. .. .. . Analysis 3.1. Comparison 3 Low-back pain: support belts, Outcome 1 Low-back pain, measured with VAS

Analysis 2.1. Comparison 2 Low-back pain: water gymnastics + usual prenatal care versus usual prenatal care, Outcome 1 Number of women taking sick leave because of back pain after 32 weeks' gestation.. .. .. .. .. . Analysis 3.1. Comparison 3 Low-back pain: support belts, Outcome 1 Low-back pain, measured with VAS

Moderate- and high-GRADE evidence for nonoperative treatment is lacking and thus prohibiting recommendations to guide clinical practice. Given the expected exponential rise in the prevalence of lumbar spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication, large high-quality trials are urgently needed.