A clinical trial of manipulative therapy and/or NSAIDs for significant acute low back pain [ 2005 - 2007 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Chris Maher (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Chris Cooper ,  Prof Andrew Mclachlan ,  Prof Jane Latimer ,  Prof Richard Day

Brief description Acute low back pain is a disabling condition with many sufferers being unable to perform their family or work duties due to severe pain. Treatment of acute LBP is also costly, this condition being one of the most frequent problems managed by general practitioners. Guidelines about how to treat patients with acute low back pain have suggested that advice and paracetamol should be the first line of treatment. In patients with insufficient pain relief two of the most frequently used additional treatments are anti-inflammatory medication and manipulative physiotherapy. However, to date it is not known whether the addition of one or both of these treatments results in faster recovery for the patient. Our clinical trial will clarify whether the addition of (i) anti-inflammatory medication and-or (ii) manipulative physiotherapy, to advice and paracetamol given by the doctor results in a faster recovery for the patient with acute low back pain. This results of this study will make it possible for general practitioners to manage acute low back pain in an evidence-based way.

Funding Amount $AUD 521,625.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant