NCT00475787

Chiropractic Management of Chronic Lower Back Pain in Older Adults

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 136 (actual)
• Sponsor: US Department of Veterans Affairs · Federal
• Sex: All
• Age: 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of Chiropractic management for treatment of chronic lower back pain in older adults.

Detailed description

The identification of alternative safe and effective interventions for chronic lower back pain in the elderly is critical in view of its high prevalence, negative impact on quality of life and the treatment risks associated with chronic medication use. This is particularly germane to the veteran population, with a prevalence of lower back pain in excess of 40%. In 1998, published guidelines from the American Geriatric Society listed chiropractic management among the non-pharmacologic strategies for treating chronic pain symptoms in older adults. A recent study showed that a substantial number of older patients who received chiropractic care were less likely to be hospitalized, less likely to have used a nursing home, more likely to report a better health status, more likely to exercise vigorously and more likely to be mobile in the community. Patients undergoing chiropractic care have also reported greater satisfaction as compared to standard medical care. Despite the general clinical acceptance of chiropractic care and satisfaction with chiropractic services, evidence on the potential benefit and safety of chiropractic management of lower back pain in older adults is lacking. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of chiropractic management in older adults with chronic lower back pain, by comparing spinal manipulation to a sham intervention.

Conditions

• Chronic Low Back Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	Spinal Manipulation	Spinal manipulation involves high velocity low amplitude manipulation and flexion distraction and mobilization.
PROCEDURE	Detuned Ultrasound	US machine is turned on and set at "0 w/cm2"

Timeline

• Start date: 2008-04-01
• Primary completion: 2011-04-01
• Completion: 2011-04-01
• First posted: 2007-05-21
• Last updated: 2014-12-30
• Results posted: 2014-12-30

Locations

2 sites across 1 country: United States