Physical CAM Therapies for Chronic Low Back Pain

Physical CAM Therapies for Chronic Low Back Pain

This is a pilot randomized trial intended to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture, chiropractic and massage for chronic back pain in older and younger adults.

• Low back pain duration of at least 3 months;
• Low back pain occurring in the past week;
• No numbness or tingling in the lower extremities;
• No pain that radiates to below the knee;
• No use of massage, chiropractic or acupuncture for any reason in the past year;
• Able to attend scheduled appointments;
• Able to hear, read, and understand English;
• No low back pain surgery in the past 3 years;
• No unexplained weight loss;
• No previous vertebral or spinal fractures;
• No previous non-traumatic bone fractures;
• No other spinal pathology, including scoliosis, spinal stenosis, osteoporosis, or ankylosing spondylitis;
• No cancer (except simple skin cancers) in the past 5 years;
• No pacemakers;
• No bleeding problems or anticoagulant use;
• No major organ transplants;
• No oral corticosteroid use for more than 4 consecutive weeks during the past year;
• Cannot be pregnant;
• Must be able to get down to and up from the floor by yourself;
• Able to walk 2 flat city blocks unassisted;
• Willing to participate in periodic telephone interviews.