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Osteopathic intervention in chronic non-specific low back pain: a systematic review
Paul J Orrock1, Stephen P Myers
1School of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University, PO Box 157, Lismore, NSW 2481, Australia. paul.orrock@scu.edu.au
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
|April 11, 2013
Summary
This systematic review found only two eligible clinical trials on osteopathic manual therapy for chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP). Both trials had limitations, preventing a meta-analysis and highlighting the need for further rigorous research.
Area of Science:
- Evidence-based practice
- Osteopathic manipulative medicine
- Clinical research methodology
Background:
- Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a prevalent and disabling condition.
- Osteopaths frequently manage CNSLBP using interventions including manual therapy.
- A systematic review was conducted to assess the quality of clinical research on osteopathic interventions for CNSLBP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and rigorously assess the quality of clinical research on osteopathic intervention for CNSLBP.
- To evaluate the effectiveness and/or efficacy of osteopathic manual therapy in adult patients with CNSLBP.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was performed across multiple databases up to August 2011.
- Inclusion criteria focused on clinical trials of osteopathic manual therapy in adults with CNSLBP.
- Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Back Review Risk of Bias criteria.
Main Results:
- An initial search yielded 809 papers, with 37 selected for full-text review.
- Only two trials met the inclusion criteria after detailed analysis.
- These two trials lacked methodological and clinical homogeneity, precluding a meta-analysis.
Conclusions:
- Only two studies evaluated osteopathic manual therapy for CNSLBP in adults.
- One study found osteopathic intervention similar to a sham, while the other showed similarity to exercise and physiotherapy.
- Further high-quality clinical trials with consistent methods, appropriate controls, and realistic interventions are necessary.
