Spinal manipulation for back pain.

Abstract

It appears that the lack of good scientific research regarding spinal manipulation has fueled skepticism and deterred many physicians from learning its indications, contraindications, and techniques. Overall, there is sufficient evidence supporting spinal manipulative therapy in the short-term management of back pain. Further research is required to evaluate its long-term effectiveness and to better define the most appropriate indications for its use. With the recent increase in scientific research and improved studies in the future, spinal manipulation should be better understood by the medical profession as another option for the treatment of back pain.