Chiropractic and Exercise for Seniors with Low Back Pain

Can chiropractic and exercise help seniors with low back pain?

Low back pain is a common health problem in adults 65 years of age and older. Of particular concern is that low back pain is usually associated with decreases in strength and flexibility, which can seriously affect older adults’ independence and overall health.

Our researchers conducted one of the first full-scale randomized clinical trials evaluating chiropractic care and exercise for seniors with low back pain. A total of 240 patients were enrolled in the study.

The primary goal was to study the effect of chiropractic care and two different types of exercise on low back pain in adults 65 years of age and older. We also measured the effect these treatments had on disability, general health status, improvement, and satisfaction. Biomechanical assessments of spinal motion, trunk endurance and functional ability were also performed by examiners blinded to treatment. Finally, qualitative interviews were done to gain an understanding of how seniors felt about chiropractic and exercise.

Project Status: Recruitment complete

Study Name: Chiropractic and Exercise for Seniors with Low Back Pain

Principal Investigator: Gert Bronfort, DC, PhD

Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00269321

Related Publications:

Maiers M, Hartvigsen J, Schulz C, Schulz K, Evans R, Bronfort G. Chiropractic and exercise for seniors with low back pain or neck pain: the design of two randomized clinical trials. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2007;8(1):94.