Spinal Manipulation in the Treatment of Low-Back Pain
283-Patient Case Series
SOURCE
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2327983/
REFERENCE
27
NICE
REFERENCE
123
organisation
Canadian Family Physician
TITLE
Spinal Manipulation in the Treatment of Low-Back Pain
283-Patient Case Series
SOURCE
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2327983/
DISC COMMENTARY
This is an early, influential paper examining spinal manipulation as a treatment for low back pain, based on a clinical case series of 283 patients treated by the authors and their view of manipulation’s place in medical practice.
What was studied?
The authors reviewed their own clinical experience treating 283 patients with low back pain using spinal manipulation, drawing together the case series with the wider scientific literature available at the time.
What did they find?
The authors concluded there was a scientific basis for treating back pain by manipulation. Although one of the oldest treatments for back pain, it had historically sat outside mainstream practice, and they suggested untrained physicians refer suitable patients on.
Why it matters
This is a historically important paper in establishing manipulation's place in mainstream discussion of back pain treatment, though it is now 40 years old and the evidence base has grown substantially since.
Why we included it
It illustrates how today's evidence base is built on decades of earlier clinical observation. Older papers like this form the historical foundation that later, larger studies went on to test more rigorously.
Help us improve your experience (and hopefully your back).
We use cookies to improve the website and show relevant content to people interested in our services.
We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You can choose which categories to allow below. Cookies categorised as Necessary are always active.
We also use third-party cookies for analytics and advertising. These are only stored with your consent. You can update or withdraw consent at any time via the cookie icon at the bottom-left. This site operates under UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018, and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). Cookie Policy • Privacy Policy
Always Active
Necessary cookies are required for core site features including security, network management, and consent storage.
Cookie
Duration
Description
hmdg_cookie_consent
180 days
Stores your cookie consent preferences.
PHPSESSID
Session
WordPress session identifier.
wordpress_logged_in_*
Session
WordPress login authentication.
Functional cookies enable enhanced features such as live chat and remembering preferences.
Cookie
Duration
Description
wp-settings-*
1 year
Stores user interface preferences.
Analytics cookies help us understand visitor behaviour. Controls analytics_storage for Google Analytics 4.
Cookie
Duration
Description
_ga
2 years
Google Analytics — distinguishes users.
_ga_*
2 years
Google Analytics 4 — session persistence.
_gid
24 hours
Google Analytics — distinguishes users.
_gat
1 minute
Google Analytics — throttles request rate.
Performance cookies collect aggregate, anonymous data about site performance.
Cookie
Duration
Description
_gat_gtag_*
1 minute
Google Tag Manager — rate throttle.
Marketing cookies track visits to deliver relevant ads. Controls ad_storage, ad_user_data, and ad_personalization.
What was studied?
The authors reviewed their own clinical experience treating 283 patients with low back pain using spinal manipulation, drawing together the case series with the wider scientific literature available at the time.
What did they find?
The authors concluded there was a scientific basis for treating back pain by manipulation. Although one of the oldest treatments for back pain, it had historically sat outside mainstream practice, and they suggested untrained physicians refer suitable patients on.
Why it matters
This is a historically important paper in establishing manipulation's place in mainstream discussion of back pain treatment, though it is now 40 years old and the evidence base has grown substantially since.
Why we included it
It illustrates how today's evidence base is built on decades of earlier clinical observation. Older papers like this form the historical foundation that later, larger studies went on to test more rigorously.