Low back pain (LBP)
has been referred to by some as a "20th century health
care disaster". Despite the considerable number of studies
performed, if remains a significant public health problem.
There is a dire need for research of high methodological
quality for this pervasive condition. The broad, long-term
objective of this study is to identify effective therapies
for LBP sufferers and to increase our understanding
of its implications.
This randomized observer-blinded clinical trial
will compare the following treatments for
patients with non-acute LBP:
• chiropractic spinal manipulation
• rehabilitative exercise
• self-care education (a minimal intervention
control)
The primary aim of this study is to examine the relative
efficacy of these three interventions in terms
of patient-rated outcomes in the short
term (after 12 weeks) and long term (after 52 weeks)
for non-acute LBP.
Using established recruitment methods, 300 patients
with non-acute LBP ( > 6 weeks) were
recruited to participate. Self-reported outcome measures
will be collected at baseline and 4, 12, 26 and 52 weeks.
Objective outcome measures will be assessed by a blinded
examiner at baseline and 12 weeks.
This study is a collaborative effort between chiropractic
investigators from Northwestern Health Sciences University
and medical clinicians from the University of Minnesota,
and the Minneapolis Medical Research Foundation. |
