The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of Chiropractic management for treatment of chronic lower back pain in older adults.
The identification of alternative safe and effective interventions for chronic lower back pain in the elderly is critical in view of its high prevalence, negative impact on quality of life and the treatment risks associated with chronic medication use. This is particularly germane to the veteran population, with a prevalence of lower back pain in excess of 40%. In 1998, published guidelines from the American Geriatric Society listed chiropractic management among the non-pharmacologic strategies for treating chronic pain symptoms in older adults. A recent study showed that a substantial number of older patients who received chiropractic care were less likely to be hospitalized, less likely to have used a nursing home, more likely to report a better health status, more likely to exercise vigorously and more likely to be mobile in the community. Patients undergoing chiropractic care have also reported greater satisfaction as compared to standard medical care. Despite the general clinical acceptance of chiropractic care and satisfaction with chiropractic services, evidence on the potential benefit and safety of chiropractic management of lower back pain in older adults is lacking. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of chiropractic management in older adults with chronic lower back pain, by comparing spinal manipulation to a sham intervention.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
136
Spinal manipulation involves high velocity low amplitude manipulation and flexion distraction and mobilization.
US machine is turned on and set at "0 w/cm2"
VA Western New York Healthcare System at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York, United States
VA Medical Center, Canandaigua
Canandaigua, New York, United States
Symptoms of Chronic Lower Back Pain as Measured With the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
100 mm line with 0 being "no pain" and 100 mm being "the worst pain I can imagine".
Time frame: Baseline, 5 weeks
Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36(SF-36) Bodily Pain
For the Bodily pain subscale, the higher the number the less self-reported pain. The computed SF-36 pain subscale scores range from 2 to 12.
Time frame: baseline and 5 Weeks
Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)
Validated measure of disability associated with lower back pain.
Time frame: baseline and 5 weeks
Performance of the Timed up and go Test
The Timed Up and Go Test assesses the amount of time it takes an individual to rise from a standard arm chair, walk a distance of 3 meters, and return to the initial position resting against the back of the chair, in this case the measurement was performed utilizing lasers to assess the time to the three meter mark and also the return to sitting in the chair.
Time frame: baseline and 5 weeks
Medical Outcome Study Short Form Physical Functioning Subscale
For the Physical Functioning subscale, the higher the number the less self-reported limitations in physical function. The computed SF-36 physical function subscale scores range from 2 to 12.
Time frame: baseline and 5 weeks
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