Individualized Chiropractic and Integrative Care for Low Back Pain

Summary

This study proposes to compare two innovative treatment approaches for LBP, both of which focus on delivering individualized care through evidence-based, clinical care pathways.

The primary aim of the project is to determine the relative clinical efficacy of 1) chiropractic care and 2) multidisciplinary, integrative care in 200 patients with sub-acute or chronic LBP, in both the short-term (after 12 weeks) and long-term (after 52 weeks). The primary outcome measure in this study is patient-rated back pain.

Chiropractic care will include therapies within the professional scope of practice. Integrative, multidisciplinary care will include chiropractic, massage therapy, traditional Chinese medicine (including acupuncture), medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, and patient education.

Secondary aims are to assess between group differences in frequency of symptoms, disability, fear avoidance behavior, self efficacy, general health, improvement, patient satisfaction, work loss, medication use, lumbar dynamic motion, and torso muscle endurance. Patients' and providers' perceptions of treatment will be described using qualitative methods and cost-effectiveness and cost utility will be assessed in the short- and long-term.

This innovative study is an exciting collaboration between an experienced and established team of chiropractic, conventional, and CAM professionals dedicated to advancing the care of pervasive and costly LBP conditions. This trial will provide new and important information for all health care providers and LBP patients, informing decision making and improving care delivery systems.

Conditions

• Sub-Acute and Chronic Low Back Pain

Interventions

OTHER

Chiropractic care

A combination of professional therapies with the scope of practice, including spinal manipulation therapy, spinal mobilization, stretching and strengthening exercises, and self-care education.

OTHER

Multidisciplinary, integrative care

A combination of therapies which may include acupuncture/Oriental medicine, chiropractic, cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise therapy, medicine, self-care information, and massage therapy.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)

  collaborator FED

• Berman Center for Outcomes and Clinical Research

  collaborator OTHER

• Northwestern Health Sciences University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Gert Bronfort, DC, PhD · Northwestern Health Sciences University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2007-06-30

Primary Completion

2010-10-31

Completion

2013-12-31

Countries

• United States

Study Locations