Related Experiment Videos
Experts' opinions on complementary/alternative therapies for low back pain
1Department of Complementary Medicine, School of Postgraduate Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, United Kingdom.
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
|March 12, 1999
Summary
Experts believe osteopathy and chiropractic are effective for acute low back pain, while acupuncture shows promise for chronic cases. Homeopathy is considered ineffective for all low back pain types.
Area of Science:
- Integrative medicine
- Musculoskeletal health
- Evidence-based practice
Background:
- Complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) are widely used for low back pain (LBP), despite limited evidence.
- The integration of CAT into healthcare systems necessitates understanding expert opinions.
- Expert consensus can guide clinical practice in the absence of robust trial data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey clinical experts on the perceived effectiveness of CAT for LBP.
- To gather expert opinions to inform clinical decision-making for LBP management.
Main Methods:
- Systematic identification of 50 LBP clinical experts using objective criteria.
- A postal questionnaire survey assessing expert opinions on CAT efficacy for four LBP categories.
Main Results:
- Osteopathy and chiropractic were rated effective for acute uncomplicated LBP by most experts.
- Acupuncture was considered effective for chronic uncomplicated LBP by most experts.
- Homeopathy was perceived as ineffective for all LBP types; herbalism lacked sufficient expert experience for an opinion.
Conclusions:
- Expert opinion supports osteopathy and chiropractic for acute uncomplicated LBP.
- Acupuncture is deemed valuable for chronic, uncomplicated LBP.
- Homeopathy is viewed as ineffective for LBP, and conclusions on herbalism are pending further data.