[Spinal manipulation in the treatment of common low back pain]

Although the best designed studies have shown promising results, the efficacy of spinal manipulations has not as yet been proved. The mode of action may involve mechanical changes in the disk and facet joints, but neurological mechanisms probably play the key role. Complications of cervical spinal manipulations are rare. To protect patients, French legislation requires that spinal manipulations should only be performed by licensed physicians, who are capable of establishing the accurate diagnosis before undertaking manipulations.