Physical CAM Therapies for Chronic Low Back Pain
Physical CAM Therapies for Chronic Low Back Pain
This is a pilot randomized trial intended to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture,
 chiropractic and massage for chronic back pain in older and younger adults.
-  Low back pain duration of at least 3 months;

 -  Low back pain occurring in the past week;

 -  No numbness or tingling in the lower extremities;

 -  No pain that radiates to below the knee;

 -  No use of massage, chiropractic or acupuncture for any reason in the past year;

 -  Able to attend scheduled appointments;

 -  Able to hear, read, and understand English;

 -  No low back pain surgery in the past 3 years;

 -  No unexplained weight loss;

 -  No previous vertebral or spinal fractures;

 -  No previous non-traumatic bone fractures;

 -  No other spinal pathology, including scoliosis, spinal stenosis, osteoporosis, or
 ankylosing spondylitis;

 -  No cancer (except simple skin cancers) in the past 5 years;

 -  No pacemakers;

 -  No bleeding problems or anticoagulant use;

 -  No major organ transplants;

 -  No oral corticosteroid use for more than 4 consecutive weeks during the past year;

 -  Cannot be pregnant;

 -  Must be able to get down to and up from the floor by yourself;

 -  Able to walk 2 flat city blocks unassisted;

 -  Willing to participate in periodic telephone interviews.