Osteopathic Manual Treatment and Ultrasound Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain

Recent studies conducted evaluated the efficacy of osteopathic manual treatment (OMT) and ultrasound therapy for chronic low back pain.

A double-blind design was used to study OMT and ultrasound therapy for short-term relief of nonspecific chronic low back pain. Six treatment sessions were provided to patients over 8 weeks. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed to measure moderate and substantial improvements in low back pain at week 12. Five secondary outcomes, safety, and treatment adherence were also assessed.

There were no statistical interactions between OMT and ultrasound therapy. Patients receiving OMT were more likely to achieve moderate and substantial improvements in low back pain at week 12.

Patients in the OMT group were more likely to be very satisfied with their back care throughout the study and used prescription drugs for low back pain less frequently during the 12 weeks.

The OMT regimen met or exceeded the Cochrane Back Review Group criterion for a medium effect size in relieving chronic low back pain. It was safe and well accepted by patients. 

Source:John C. Licciardone, DO, MS, MBA, Dennis E. Minotti, DO, Robert J. Gatchel, PhD, Cathleen M. Kearns, BA, Karan P. Singh, PhD. Osteopathic Manual Treatment and Ultrasound Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain. Annuals of Family Medicine.

Visit us at The Center for Medical Healing for more information.  Relieving your pain.....Restoring your life!