Perspectives on Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Low Back Pain

Patient and Physical Therapist Perspectives on Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Low Back Pain

The goal of this study is to better understand how the thoughts and beliefs of patients with low back pain and their physical therapist influence how much patients benefit from physical therapy. Participants will receive physical therapy as determined by their physical therapist including spinal manipulative therapy, exercise, and education. Participants with low back pain and their physical therapists will complete forms about their thoughts and beliefs about low back pain and treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pain between 12th rib and buttocks with or without symptoms into one or both legs, which, in the opinion of the examiner, originate from the lumbar region.
• Meets NIH Task Force criteria for chronic low back pain

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior surgery to the lumbosacral spine
• Currently pregnant
• Not currently receiving spinal manipulative therapy or exercise interventions from another healthcare provider such as a chiropractor or massage therapist.
• No neurogenic signs indicating radiculopathy
• No "red flags" of a potentially serious condition (e.g., cauda equina syndrome, fracture, cancer, infection, etc.)