Integrated Chiropractic and Acupuncture Treatment for Low Back Pain

Effect of an Integrative Approach of Chiropractic and Traditional Chinese Medicine Care on Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study is being conducted to compare the effectiveness of integrated chiropractic and acupuncture care for the management of low back pain.

This study is being conducted at the Southern California University of Health Sciences. Eligible subjects will be randomized to one of three treatment groups: chiropractic care alone, acupuncture care alone, and chiropractic and acupuncture care combined.

Subjects will be treated on pragmatic basis for 60 days and then followed up for an additional 60 days. All examinations and treatments will be provided free of charge. The expected benefits for the participants are decreased pain and improved function.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Are 18 years or older
• Have a current episode of low back pain

Exclusion Criteria:

• Received chiropractic treatment or other manipulative therapies within the last month
• Received acupuncture treatment within the last month
• Visceral, systemic or joint inflammatory disease with referred pain to the back or pelvis
• Non-mechanical low back pain
• A history of low back surgery
• Osteoporosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Coagulation disorder or are taking anticoagulant medication
• Prolonged systemic corticosteroid medication
• Progressive unilateral lower limb muscle weakness
• Symptoms or signs of cauda equina syndrome (e.g., bowel or bladder dysfunction)
• Severe concurrent illness (e.g., cancer, heart diseases, psychiatric disorders)
• Known pregnancy