Treatment for Low Back Pain

Treatment for Low Back Pain

Non-invasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute & Chronic Low Back Pain

Dr Chris Reeves

 

The American College of Physicians developed a guideline to present the evidence and provide clinical recommendations on non-invasive treatment of low back pain. Please read on and I think you’ll find Osteopathy has the potential to be a key player in this all too common health picture.

There were 2 strong recommendations for the treatment of low back pain:

  1. Given that most patients with acute or subacute low back pain improve over time regardless of treatment, clinicians and patients should select non-pharmacologic treatment with superficial heat (moderate-quality evidence), massage, acupuncture, or spinal manipulation (low-quality evidence). If pharmacologic treatment is desired, clinicians and patients should select non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or skeletal muscle relaxants (moderate-quality evidence).
  2. For patients with chronic low back pain, clinicians and patients should initially select non-pharmacologic treatments with exercise, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, acupuncture, mindfulness-based stress reduction (moderate-quality evidence), tai chi, yoga, motor control exercise, progressive relaxation, electromyography biofeedback, low-level laser therapy, operant therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, or spinal manipulation (low-quality evidence).

How does Osteopathy fit with this?

An Osteopath’s scope of practice may include the provision of massage, spinal manipulation, exercise prescription, application of heat, and various forms of behavioural therapy, such as stress reduction and motor control. We also liaise with appropriate health providers such as GP’s and psychologists; and have established sound networks with local Pilates studios, fitness centres (i.e. Fitness is Fun) and yoga/tai chi instructors.

Remember, we want the best outcome for you. If you have been suffering with low back pain, why not make an appointment with one of our Osteopaths and see how we can help.

For more information on what we treat, click here. To book an appointment, click here or give us a call on 03 9580 1820.

Source: Annals of Internal Medicine