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This study aimed to review and describe the scientific literature on approaches used for the management of nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) in Africa. For this scoping review, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using the EBSCO host platform to search the following databases: CINAHL with full text, MEDLINE with Full Text, PubMed, Springer Nature Journals, Directory of Open Access Journals, Science Direct, Gale OneFile: Health & Med, Google Scholar, and Gale Health & wellness. Articles published between January 1990 and March 2021 were included. We used Boolean operators and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) with the JBI Scoping Review Methodology framework. Results were reported using the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The search yielded 425 articles; 22 articles met the criteria for inclusion. Various disciplines were consulted for the management of NSLBP including primary care medical physicians, physiotherapists, chiropractors, orthopedic surgeons, pastors, and traditional healers. Management of NSLBP involves pain medication as the most common form of treatment. The review suggests that understanding cultural beliefs and biopsychosocial factors is important for managing NSLBP in Africa. Although attempts are being made in some countries to encourage the adoption of international and locally developed evidence-based guidelines, very few practitioners are providing such care. The peer-reviewed published literature on the treatment of NSLBP in Africa is limited and with few exceptions of low quality. In order to provide a higher level of care for people disabled with NSLBP in Africa considerable further research and greater collaboration and utilization of limited clinical resources are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to assess the status, supply, demographics, and characteristics of chiropractic practice in the continent of Africa. A survey consisting of questions on demographics, clinical practice, and patient profile was administered to 608 chiropractors practicing in the different countries of the African continent. Chiropractic association officers of each country were contacted via e-mail for assistance in the distribution of the survey link to chiropractors in their country. The initial questionnaire was pretested with a small group of chiropractors from 2 African countries—4 from Ethiopia and 6 from Botswana—to assess the validity of the questions. The legal status of the chiropractic practice was obtained from online resources. Descriptive statistics were conducted in Microsoft Excel. Of the 54 countries in the continent of Africa, 23 countries were identified to have chiropractors. One hundred twenty-four surveys were returned from 15 countries with an overall response rate of 20.3% by clinicians with varying years in clinical practice. Nearly 84% of the chiropractors were between ages 26 and 50. More than 69% reported being a graduate of 1 of the 2 academic institutions located in Africa. Most chiropractors practice in South Africa. Most chiropractors practice in privately owned clinics, and 38% practice in multidisciplinary clinics. Nearly 92% reported using diversified technique and 27% used McKenzie exercises for treatment. Patients presented with a variety of conditions, predominantly chronic pain (59%). This study provides a general overview on the status, supply, demographics, and characteristics of chiropractic practice in the continent of Africa. The supply of chiropractors in Africa is scarce and unevenly distributed. Although in the early stages of recognition, chiropractors in Africa are contributing to the care of people with musculoskeletal and spine-related disorders. Considering the high burden of spine pain, there appears to be potential for growth for chiropractic in the continent of Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]