Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Back Pain

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Back Pain: Evaluation of Short Term Changes in Functional Status, Quality of Life, and Pain

This study will investigate if Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is beneficial for patients presenting with back pain.

Low back pain is the most common cause of disability in people under age 45 and accounts for 20% of all physician visits. Osteopathic manual treatment (OMT) has been used to manage patients with acute and chronic back pain. These treatments are often reported as beneficial by patients.

This study will examine the effect on functional status, range of motion, quality of life, and pain with Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). Baseline will be defined as someone who has never had OMT, chiropractic, or massage, or has not received such treatments in the last 90 days. Back pain will be specific to pain presenting in the lumbar or thoracic regions of the spine.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult 18 years of age or older
• Back pain
• Able to arrange transportation and arrive to three study appointments.

Exclusion Criteria:

• May not have had manual treatment (massage, chiropractic, or OMT) in the last 90 days
• May not have any labs or imaging for their back pain recommended by their physicians the subject has not yet completed
• May not have had back surgery in past 60 days
• May not be pregnant or have given birth in the last 30 days
• May not have be unable to tell a member of the study team their name, city they live in and the current year.