Central Mechanism of Manual Therapy for Low Back Pain

Central Mechanism of Manual Therapy for Low Back Pain

The purpose of this study is to examine the change of nervous system activity before and after spinal manipulation treatment program in people with low back pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of subacute low back pain
• Ability to read and understand English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous low back surgery
• Severe structural spinal deformity
• Neurological compromise resulting in current nerve root entrapment
• Spinal cord compression
• Tumor
• Severe spinal instability
• Severe osteoporosis
• Psychiatric disease
• Head trauma
• Spinal infection
• Known cardiovascular or metabolic disease
• Known neurological, neuromuscular or orthopedic problems that might prevent them from participating in manual therapy interventions
• Pregnancy
• Mini-Mental State Examination score < 25
• Body Mass Index (BMI) < 18 or > 30
• Pain or paresthesia below the knees
• Systemic illness known to affect sensation i.e. diabetes
• Acute and/or chronic pain condition unrelated to LBP