Extrait

Background and study aims Pain in the lower back is very common and can get better over time. However, if it becomes worse it can require treatment. Spinal manipulation is often used to treat the low back pain. Spinal manipulation is therapeutic technique applied by a doctor, physiotherapist or other manual therapist to help patients with spinal pain. Spinal manipulation involves the rapid movement (thrust) of the spine to stimulate the nerves and joints in a certain way that reduces pain. This often makes a popping noise come from the joints. The application of spinal manipulation has traditionally involved targeting the technique to a particular level of the spine where the problem is occurs. This involves a time-consuming assessment process to figure out where this is, which has been deemed necessary as the effect of spinal manipulation was thought to be related to specific joint changes, found both before and after manipulation. Recent research has questioned both the accuracy of spinal manipulation and the necessity for specific targeting of the spine. This study evaluates the effects of a targeted manipulative thrust technique versus a thrust of equal magnitude (strength), applied to the spinal region, to assess any difference in muscular responses and pain. Who can participate? Adults aged 18 to 60 with lower back pain. What does the study involve? Participants are randomly allocated to one of two groups. All participants attend three one hour treatment sessions within seven to nine days apart. Those in the first group receive a targeted thrust at a certain part of the spine (as determined by their physiotherapist). Those in the second group receive a thrust in a more general area of the lower spine. The thrusts in both groups are done with the same amount of strength and force. Participants are measured for their pain levels and muscle responses at each of the sessions. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? Participants may benefit from long-term reduction in back pain. There is a small risk of short-term (less than 24 hours) of soreness after a treatment session. Where is the study run from? Wellcome Clinical Research Facility (UK) When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? April 2005 to June 2007 Who is funding the study? Investigator initiated and funded (UK) Who is the main contact? Dr Chris McCarthy [email protected]

Critère d'inclusion

• Lower back pain

Liens

• isrctn