Chiropractic combination treatments for back pain

Ernst, E., Walker, B.ORCID: 0000-0002-8506-6740, French, S., Grant, W. and Green, S. (2010) Chiropractic combination treatments for back pain. Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies, 15 (3). pp. 249-250.

Abstract

Aim

To determine the effects of CCTs, e.g. manipulation with heat packs or massage, on back pain, disability and function.

Data sources

Five electronic databases were searched up to May 2009.

Study selection

RCTs comparing CCTs with no therapy or alternative interventions.

Data extraction

Two reviewers independently selected the RCTs, assessed bias and extracted data.

Main results

Twelve RCTs were included. Only three were rigorous. For acute/subacute back pain CCTs were better than alternative interventions for short and medium‐term pain but not for long‐term pain. For disability, the results were similar. Effect sizes were small and the risk of bias was considerable.

Authors' conclusion

‘Combined chiropractic interventions slightly improved pain and disability in the short‐term and pain in the medium‐term for acute and subacute LBP. However, there is currently no evidence that supports or refutes that these interventions provide a clinically meaningful difference for pain or disability in people with LBP when compared to other interventions. Future research is very likely to change the estimate of effect and our confidence in the results.’

Item Type:	Journal Article
Murdoch Affiliation:	School of Chiropractic and Sports Science
Publisher:	Wiley
Copyright:	© 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/53000

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