Spine J. 2014 Jul 1;14(7):1106-16. doi: 10.1016/j.spinee.2013.07.468. Epub 2013 Oct 16.
Haas M, Vavrek D, Peterson D, Polissar N, Neradilek MB.
Abstract
BACKGROUND CONTEXT:
There have been no full-scale trials of the optimal number of visits for the care of any condition with spinal manipulation.
PURPOSE:
To identify the dose-response relationship between visits to a chiropractor for spinal manipulation and chronic low back pain (cLBP) outcomes and to determine the efficacy of manipulation by comparison with a light massage control.
STUDY DESIGN/SETTING:
Practice-based randomized controlled trial.
PATIENT SAMPLE:
Four hundred participants with cLBP.
OUTCOME MEASURES:
The primary cLBP outcomes were the 100-point modified Von Korff pain intensity and functional disability scales evaluated at the 12- and 24-week primary end points. Secondary outcomes included days with pain and functional disability, pain unpleasantness, global perceived improvement, medication use, and general health status.
METHODS:
One hundred participants with cLBP were randomized to each of four dose levels of care: 0, 6, 12, or 18 sessions of spinal manipulation from a chiropractor. Participants were treated three times per week for 6 weeks. At sessions when manipulation was not assigned, they received a focused light massage control. Covariate-adjusted linear dose effects and comparisons with the no-manipulation control group were evaluated at 6, 12, 18, 24, 39, and 52 weeks.
RESULTS:
For the primary outcomes, mean pain and disability improvement in the manipulation groups were 20 points by 12 weeks and sustainable to 52 weeks. Linear dose-response effects were small, reaching about two points per six manipulation sessions at 12 and 52 weeks for both variables (p<.025). At 12 weeks, the greatest differences from the no-manipulation control were found for 12 sessions (8.6 pain and 7.6 disability points, p<.025); at 24 weeks, differences were negligible; and at 52 weeks, the greatest group differences were seen for 18 visits (5.9 pain and 8.8 disability points, p<.025).
CONCLUSIONS:
The number of spinal manipulation visits had modest effects on cLBP outcomes above those of 18 hands-on visits to a chiropractor. Overall, 12 visits yielded the most favorable results but was not well distinguished from other dose levels.
Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.