EXERCISE AND SPINAL MANIPULATION IN THE TREATMENT OF LOW-BACK-PAIN

Current research clearly indicates the importance of exercise and mobi lity in the treatment of low back pain and also that bed rest and inac tivity should play a relatively small part in treatment. The use of in tensive, physical exercise end ''work hardening'' routines have been s hown to be necessary for treating chronic low back pain and returning individuals to work. Evidence derived from valid clinical studies of t he use of manipulation in the treatment of low back pain shows a role for it in the acute treatment of ''mechanical'' low back disorders. Th ese studies have demonstrated that manipulative procedures result in m ore rapid pain and functional relief compared with other conservative therapies. Over a longer time frame, this advantage disappears.