Best Evidence Review
Assessment of Diclofenac or Spinal Manipulative Therapy, or Both, in Addition to Recommended First-line Treatment for Acute Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Hancock MJ, Maher GC, Latimer J, et al
Lancet. 2007;370:1638-1643
Full Story
PubMed Reference
Journal Reference
Abstract
Previous recommendations have noted that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and spinal manipulation therapy can be helpful for patients with acute low back pain, but the current study compares this approach with a “usual care” group, who received advice on physical activity and regular doses of paracetamol. The researchers’ findings are surprising and should change the way clinicians think about the management of low back pain.
This study was selected from Medscape Best Evidence, which uses the McMaster Online Rating of Evidence System. Of a possible top score of 7, this study was ranked as 6 for relevance and 5 newsworthiness by clinicians who used this system.