[Manual therapy in lumbovertebral syndromes]
J Dvorak1, V Dvorak2, W Schneider3
1Schulthess-Klinik, Spine Unit, Zürich, Germany.
Der Orthopade
|March 2, 2017
Summary
Manual therapy is frequently used for low back pain, with Swiss physicians treating it over 800 times annually. This manual medicine approach shows superior outcomes compared to physiotherapy or placebo for lumbar spine functional disorders.
Area of Science:
- Manual Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Pain Management
Context:
- Low back pain is a prevalent issue addressed by manual therapy.
- A survey of the Swiss Medical Association for Manual Medicine provides insights into current practices.
- Manual therapy is a common treatment modality for spinal disorders.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the frequency and efficacy of manual therapy for low back pain.
- To compare manual therapy outcomes with physiotherapy and placebo interventions.
- To assess the safety and complication rates associated with manual therapy for the lumbar spine.
Summary:
- Physicians in manual medicine treat low back pain approximately 805 times per year.
- General practitioners manage cases 1.4 times, while specialists handle complex cases 4-5 times.
- Manual therapy demonstrated superior results for lumbar spine functional disorders compared to physiotherapy and placebo groups.
Impact:
- Manual therapy is an effective treatment for functional lumbar spine disorders.
- Understanding indications and contraindications is crucial for safe manual therapy practice.
- Side effects and complications from manual therapy for the lumbar spine are rare.
