A Study of a Potential Mechanisms of Spinal Manipulation in the Treatment of Low Back Pain

Immediate Effect of Physical Interventions for Low Back Pain

The purpose of this study was to determine the immediate effect of 3 common physical therapy interventions for people experiencing low back pain on the perception of thermal pain. Additionally, the investigators wished to determine the influence of psychological factors related to fear and anxiety on their findings and to determine whether the effects of the individual interventions were local (specific to the area of application) or global (influenced regions away from the area of application).

Inclusion Criteria:

• ages eighteen to sixty
• currently experiencing low back pain OR currently not experiencing low back pain and have not had an episode for the prior six months

Exclusion Criteria:

• non-English speaking
• systemic medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, hypertension)
• current use of psychiatric medication
• pregnancy
• signs and symptoms indicative of nerve root compression (reflex change, myotomal weakness, or sensation change)
• history of surgery to the low back