Listen as chiropractor and founder of the Cox Technic, Dr. James Cox explains what Cox Technic is and why it is so effective for treating back pain.
James M. Cox, DC, DACBR, FICC, Hon.D.Litt., FACO(H)
Dr. Cox is the developer of Cox® Technic Flexion Distraction Manipulation and the proud participant in the on-going federal research projects involving the Keiser University, National University of Health Sciences, Palmer College of Chiropractic Research Center, Loyola Stritch School of Medicine, University of Illinois, University of Iowa, Auburn University, etc. He is a member of the postgraduate faculty of the National University of Health Sciences and has been privileged to speak throughout the world.
Resources:
About Dr. Cox
The Cox 8 Table by Haven Medical
References:
Chesterton P, Evans W, Wright M, Lolli L, Richardson M, Atkinson G. Influence of Lumbar Mobilizations During the Nordic Hamstring Exercise on Hamstring Measures of Knee Flexor Strength, Failure Point, and Muscle Activity: A Randomized Crossover Trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2020 Nov 25:S0161-4754(20)30201-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2020.09.005. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33248746.
INFLUENCE OF LUMBAR MOBILIZATIONS DURING THE NORDIC HAMSTRING EXERCISE ON HAMSTRING MEASURES OF KNEE FLEXOR STRENGTH, FAILURE POINT, AND MUSCLE ACTIVITY: A RANDOMIZED CROSSOVER TRIAL. AFTER SPINAL MOBILIZATION, IMMEDIATE CHANGES IN BILATERAL HAMSTRING FORCE PRODUCTION AND PEAK TORQUE OCCURRED DURING THE NHE. THE EFFECT ON THE NHE FAILURE POINT WAS UNCLEAR. ELECTROMYOGRAPHIC ACTIVITY INCREASED ON THE IPSILATERAL SIDE.
Meet the Nordic hamstring exercise, also known as the Nordic hamstring curl—your potential new favorite go-to that can help keep you healthy while boosting your performance. me 19
Lead researcher Nicol van Dyk, Ph.D., of Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital in Qatar, told Runner’s World the move is simple: Begin in a kneeling position with both ankles secured—tucking your feet under a bar, for example, or having a running buddy hold them down—and then progressively lean forward as slowly as possible while keeping your back straight. When you can’t resist anymore, just fall forward, catching yourself with your hands against the floor. Check out the video below for how to do it properly.
Ekşi MŞ, Özcan-Ekşi EE, Özmen BB, Turgut VU, Huet SE, Dinç T, Kara M, Özgen S, Özek MM, Pamir MN. Lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration, end-plates and paraspinal muscle changes in children and adolescents with low-back pain. J Pediatr Orthop B. 2020 Nov 27. doi: 10.1097/BPB.0000000000000833. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33252539.
FATTY INFILTRATION IN THE PARASPINAL MUSCLES AND IVDD WERE CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH MODIC CHANGES IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH LBP. LUMBAR IVDD IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS COULD BE THE RESULT OF A MECHANICAL PATHOLOGY
Karartı C, Özüdoğru A, Basat HÇ, Özsoy İ, Özsoy G, Kodak Mİ, Sezgin H, Uçar İ. Determination of Biodex Balance System Cutoff Scores in Older People With Nonspecific Back Pain: A Cross-sectional Study. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2020 Nov 25:S0161-4754(20)30153-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2020.07.006. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33248744.
DETERMINATION OF BIODEX BALANCE SYSTEM CUTOFF SCORES IN OLDER PEOPLE WITH NONSPECIFIC BACK PAIN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
BBS CUTOFF SCORES ARE SENSITIVE AND SPECIFIC IN DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN POOR AND GOOD POSTURAL PERFORMANCE IN OLDER PEOPLE WITH NSLBP.
TRACTION EFFECTS:
TRACTION AND DISTRACTION STUDIES ON WHICH OUR WORK IS BASED.
Luigi Albano, DC introduced the first paper on which I built the remaining studies.
This gives us foundational understanding as to the benefits of placing a spine into distraction prior to producing ranges of motion – IT FIRST REDUCES STENOTIC EFFECTS THAT COULD CAUSE GREATER NERVE AND DRG COMPRESSION AND CHEMICAL INFLAMMATORY IRRITATION. - JMC
Gaowgzeh RAM, Chevidikunnan MF, BinMulayh EA, Khan F. Effect of spinal decompression therapy and core stabilization exercises in management of lumbar disc prolapse: A single blind randomized controlled trial. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2020;33(2):225-231. doi: 10.3233/BMR-171099. PMID: 31282394.
A COMBINATION OF SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY WITH CORE STABILIZATION EXERCISE HAS PROVEN TO BE MORE SIGNIFICANT WHEN COMPARED WITH CSE ALONE TO REDUCE PAIN AND DISABILITY IN SUBJECTS WITH CHRONIC LDP.
Demirel A, Yorubulut M, Ergun N. Regression of lumbar disc herniation by physiotherapy. Does non-surgical spinal decompression therapy make a difference? Double-blind randomized controlled trial. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2017 Sep 22;30(5):1015-1022. doi: 10.3233/BMR-169581. PMID: 28505956.
THIS STUDY SHOWED THAT PATIENTS WITH LHNP RECEIVED PHYSIOTHERAPY HAD IMPROVEMENT BASED ON CLINICAL AND RADIOLOGIC EVIDENCE. NON-INVASIVE SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY (NSDT) CAN BE USED AS ASSISTIVE AGENT FOR OTHER PHYSIOTHERAPY METHODS IN TREATMENT OF LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION.
Karimi N, Akbarov P, Rahnama L. Effects of segmental traction therapy on lumbar disc herniation in patients with acute low back pain measured by magnetic resonance imaging: A single arm clinical trial. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2017;30(2):247-253. doi: 10.3233/BMR-160741. PMID: 27636836.
SEGMENTAL TRACTION THERAPY MIGHT PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE LBP STIMULATED BY LDH.
Kamanli A1, Karaca-Acet G, Kaya A, Koc M, Yildirim H Conventional physical therapy with lumbar traction; clinical evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging for lumbar disc herniation. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 30, no. 2, pp. 247-253, 2017
CONVENTIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPIES WITH LUMBAR TRACTION WERE EFFECTIVE IN THE TREATMENT OF PATIENT WITH SUBACUTE LDH. THESE RESULTS SUGGEST THAT CLINICAL IMPROVEMENT IS NOT CORRELATED WITH THE FINDING OF MRI. PATIENTS WITH LDH SHOULD BE MONITORED CLINICALLY
Choi J, Lee S, Hwangbo G. Influences of spinal decompression therapy and general traction therapy on the pain, disability, and straight leg raising of patients with intervertebral disc herniation. J Phys Ther Sci. 2015 Feb;27(2):481-3. doi: 10.1589/jpts.27.481. Epub 2015 Feb 17. PMID: 25729196; PMCID: PMC4339166.
SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY AND GENERAL TRACTION THERAPY ARE EFFECTIVE AT IMPROVING THE PAIN, DISABILITY, AND SLR OF PATIENTS WITH INTERVERTEBRAL DISC HERNIATION. THUS, SELECTIVE TREATMENT MAY BE REQUIRED
JUDOVICH BD. Herniated cervical disc; a new form of traction therapy. Am J Surg. 1952 Dec;84(6):646-56. doi: 10.1016/0002-9610(52)90127-x. PMID: 12986095.
CLINICAL STUDIES INDICATE THAT IN THE AVERAGE INTRACTABLE CASE THE CERVICAL SPINE SHOULD BE STRETCHED BY FORCE RANGING FROM 25 TO 45 POUNDS. ALMOST HALF THE PATIENTS IN A SERIES OF SIXTY CASES EXPERIENCED PARTIAL OR COMPLETE MOMENTARY RELIEF WHEN THIS FORCE WAS APPLIED.
ROENTGEN STUDIES REVEAL THAT IN THE AVERAGE PATIENT THE INTERVERTEBRAL SPACES OF THE CERVICAL SPINE BEGIN TO SHOW MEASURABLE WIDENING WITH TRACTION FORCE RANGING FROM 25 TO 50 POUNDS.
THE NECESSARY FORCE TO RELIEVE PAIN CANNOT BE TOLERATED BY THE AVERAGE PATIENT WHEN IT IS ADMINISTERED AS A CONSTANT PULL. IF ADMINISTERED INTERMITTENTLY, ADEQUATE AND MUCH GREATER TRACTION LOAD CAN BE TOLERATED WITHOUT THE DISCOMFORT WHICH WOULD NORMALLY ACCOMPANY SUCH FORCE.
A NEW METHOD OF MOTORIZED INTERMITTENT TRACTION IS PRESENTED. THE CLINICAL RESULTS OF INTERMITTENT TRACTION, BECAUSE OF ADEQUATE FORCE, HAVE BEEN EXCELLENT AS COMPARED TO CONVENTIONAL TRACTION METHODS.
Burton AK, Tillotson KM, Cleary J. Single-blind randomised controlled trial of chemonucleolysis and manipulation in the treatment of symptomatic lumbar disc herniation. Eur Spine J. 2000 Jun;9(3):202-7. doi: 10.1007/s005869900113. PMID: 10905437; PMCID: PMC3611397.
BECAUSE OSTEOPATHIC MANIPULATION PRODUCED A 12-MONTH OUTCOME THAT WAS EQUIVALENT TO CHEMONUCLEOLYSIS, IT CAN BE CONSIDERED AS AN OPTION FOR THE TREATMENT OF SYMPTOMATIC LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION, AT LEAST IN THE ABSENCE OF CLEAR INDICATIONS FOR SURGERY. Further study into the value of manipulation at a more acute stage is warranted.
Kirkaldy-Willis WH, Cassidy JD. Spinal manipulation in the treatment of low-back pain. Can Fam Physician. 1985 Mar;31:535-40. PMID: 21274223; PMCID: PMC2327983.
RESULTS OF SPINAL MANIPULATION IN 283 PATIENTS WITH LOW BACK PAIN ARE PRESENTED. THE PHYSICIAN WHO MAKES USE OF THIS RESOURCE WILL PROVIDE RELIEF FOR MANY PATIENTS.
Oliphant D. Safety of spinal manipulation in the treatment of lumbar disk herniations: a systematic review and risk assessment. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2004 Mar-Apr;27(3):197-210. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2003.12.023. PMID: 15129202.
THE APPARENT SAFETY OF SPINAL MANIPULATION, ESPECIALLY WHEN COMPARED WITH OTHER “MEDICALLY ACCEPTED” TREATMENTS FOR LDH, SHOULD STIMULATE ITS USE IN THE CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT PLAN OF LDH.
Kane MD, Karl RD, Swain JH. Effects of Gravity-Facilitated Traction on lntervertebral Dimensions of the Lumbar Spine*. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 1985;6(5):281-8. doi: 10.2519/jospt.1985.6.5.281. PMID: 18802302.
MEAN POSTERIOR SEPARATION WAS SIGNIFICANT AT ALL LEVELS EXCEPT L1-L2 AND L5-S1. MEAN INTERVERTEBRAL FORAMINAL SEPARATION WAS SIGNIFICANT AT ALL LEVELS BUT L5-S1. IF INCREASES IN INTERVERTEBRAL DIMENSIONS PLAY A ROLE IN THE RELIEF OF LOW BACK SYNDROME, THEN GRAVITY-FACILITATED TRACTION MAY BE AN EFFECTIVE MODALITY IN THE TREATMENT OF THIS CONDITION.
Unlu Z, Tasci S, Tarhan S, Pabuscu Y, Islak S. Comparison of 3 physical therapy modalities for acute pain in lumbar disc herniation measured by clinical evaluation and magnetic resonance imaging. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2008 Mar;31(3):191-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2008.02.001. PMID: 18394495.
TRACTION, ULTRASOUND, AND LOW POWER LASER THERAPIES WERE ALL EFFECTIVE IN THE TREATMENT OF THIS GROUP OF PATIENTS WITH ACUTE LDH. THESE RESULTS SUGGEST THAT CONSERVATIVE MEASURES SUCH AS TRACTION, LASER, AND ULTRASOUND TREATMENTS MIGHT HAVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE LDH
Chung TS, Yang HE, Ahn SJ, Park JH. Herniated Lumbar Disks: Real-time MR Imaging Evaluation during Continuous Traction. Radiology. 2015 Jun;275(3):755-62. doi: 10.1148/radiol.14141400. Epub 2015 Jan 22. Erratum in: Radiology. 2015 Jun;275(3):934-5. PMID: 25611735.
HERNIATED LUMBAR DISKS: REAL-TIME MR IMAGING EVALUATION DURING CONTINUOUS TRACTION
CONTINUOUS TRACTION ON HERNIATED LUMBAR DISKS AND SURROUNDING STRUCTURES RESULTED IN CHANGE IN DISK SHAPE, DISK REDUCTION WITH OPENING IN THE INTERVERTEBRAL DISK, REDUCTION OF HERNIATED DISK VOLUME, SEPARATION OF THE DISK AND ADJOINING NERVE ROOT, AND WIDENING OF THE FACET JOINT.
Isner-Horobeti ME, Dufour SP, Schaeffer M, Sauleau E, Vautravers P, Lecocq J, Dupeyron A. High-Force Versus Low-Force Lumbar Traction in Acute Lumbar Sciatica Due to Disc Herniation: A Preliminary Randomized Trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2016 Nov-Dec;39(9):645-654. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2016.09.006. Epub 2016 Nov 9. PMID: 27838140.
HIGH-FORCE VERSUS LOW-FORCE LUMBAR TRACTION IN ACUTE LUMBAR SCIATICA DUE TO DISC HERNIATION: A PRELIMINARY RANDOMIZED TRIAL
PATIENTS WITH ACUTE LUMBAR SCIATICA SECONDARY TO DISC HERNIATION WHO RECEIVED 2 WEEKS OF LUMBAR TRACTION REPORTED REDUCED RADICULAR PAIN AND FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENT AND IMPROVED WELL-BEING REGARDLESS OF THE TRACTION FORCE GROUP TO WHICH THEY WERE ASSIGNED. THE EFFECTS OF THE TRACTION TREATMENT WERE INDEPENDENT OF THE INITIAL LEVEL OF MEDICATION AND APPEARED TO BE MAINTAINED AT THE 2-WEEK FOLLOW-UP.
DURING THE 2-WEEK FOLLOW-UP AT DAY 28, ONLY THE LT10 GROUP IMPROVED (P < .05) IN VAS (–52%) AND EIFEL SCORES (–46%).
Onel D, Tuzlaci M, Sari H, Demir K. Computed tomographic investigation of the effect of traction on lumbar disc herniations. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 1989 Jan;14(1):82-90. doi: 10.1097/00007632-198901000-00017. PMID: 2913674.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF TRACTION ON LUMBAR DISC HERNIATIONS. CHANGES OCCURRING UNDER THE EFFECT OF A TRACTION LOAD OF 45 KG HAVE BEEN EVALUATED IN 30 PATIENTS WITH LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION WITH CT INVESTIGATION. THE HERNIATED NUCLEAR MATERIAL (HNM) HAS RETRACTED IN 11 (78.5%) OF MEDIAN, SIX (66.6%) OF POSTEROLATERAL, AND FOUR (57.1%) OF LATERAL HERNIATIONS.
Clarke J, van Tulder M, Blomberg S, de Vet H, van der Heijden G, Bronfort G. Traction for low back pain with or without sciatica: an updated systematic review within the framework of the Cochrane collaboration. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2006 Jun 15;31(14):1591-9. doi: 10.1097/01.brs.0000222043.09835.72. PMID: 16778694.
INTERMITTENT OR CONTINUOUS TRACTION AS A SINGLE TREATMENT FOR LBP CANNOT BE RECOMMENDED FOR MIXED GROUPS OF PATIENTS WITH LBP WITH AND WITHOUT SCIATICA. NEITHER CAN TRACTION BE RECOMMENDED FOR PATIENTS WITH SCIATICA BECAUSE OF INCONSISTENT RESULTS AND METHODOLOGICAL PROBLEMS IN MOST OF THE STUDIES INVOLVED. HOWEVER, BECAUSE HIGH-QUALITY STUDIES WITHIN THE FIELD ARE SCARCE, BECAUSE MANY ARE UNDERPOWERED, AND BECAUSE TRACTION OFTEN IS SUPPLIED IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER TREATMENT MODALITIES, THE LITERATURE ALLOWS NO FIRM NEGATIVE CONCLUSION THAT TRACTION, IN A GENERALIZED SENSE, IS NOT AN EFFECTIVE TREATMENT FOR PATIENTS WITH LBP
Beattie PF, Nelson RM, Michener LA, Cammarata J, Donley J. Outcomes after a prone lumbar traction protocol for patients with activity-limiting low back pain: a prospective case series study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2008 Feb;89(2):269-74. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2007.06.778. PMID: 18226650.
TRACTION APPLIED IN THE PRONE POSITION USING THE VAX-D FOR 8 WEEKS WAS ASSOCIATED WITH IMPROVEMENTS IN PAIN INTENSITY AND RMDQ SCORES AT DISCHARGE, AND AT 30 AND 180 DAYS AFTER DISCHARGE IN A SAMPLE OF PATIENTS WITH ACTIVITY-LIMITING LBP. CAUSAL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THESE OUTCOMES AND THE INTERVENTION SHOULD NOT BE MADE UNTIL FURTHER STUDY IS PERFORMED USING RANDOMIZED COMPARISON GROUPS.
REAL-TIME MR IMAGING WHILE PERFORMING TRACTION IS POSSIBLE.
Mitchell UH, Beattie PF, Bowden J, Larson R, Wang H. Age-related differences in the response of the L5-S1 intervertebral disc to spinal traction. Musculoskelet Sci Pract. 2017 Oct;31:1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2017.06.004. Epub 2017 Jun 9. PMID: 28624722.
TO DETERMINE DIFFERENCES IN THE APPARENT DIFFUSION COEFFICIENT (ADC) OBTAINED WITH LUMBAR DIFFUSION-WEIGHTED IMAGING (DWI) OF THE L5-S1 IVD BEFORE, AND DURING, THE APPLICATION OF LUMBAR TRACTION
STATIC TRACTION WAS ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCREASE IN DIFFUSION OF WATER WITHIN THE L5-S1 IVDS OF MIDDLE-AGE INDIVIDUALS, BUT NOT IN YOUNG ADULTS, SUGGESTING AGE-RELATED DIFFERENCES IN THE DIFFUSION RESPONSE. FURTHER STUDY IS NEEDED TO ASSESS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THESE FINDINGS AND THE SYMPTOMS OF BACK PAIN.
HIGHLIGHTS:
STATIC TRACTION IS ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCREASE IN ADC IN OLDER DISCS, NOT YOUNGER.
INVERSE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BASELINE ADC AND PERCENT INCREASE WITH TRACTION.
FINDINGS SUGGEST PRESENCE OF AGE-RELATED CHANGES IN THE RATE OF DIFFUSION RESPONSE.
SAAL, JEFFREY A., MD; SAAL, JOEL S., MD Nonoperative Treatment of Herniated Lumbar Intervertebral Disc with Radiculopathy: An Outcome Study, Spine: April 1989 - Volume 14 - Issue 4 - p 431-437
64 PATIENTS WITH LUMBAR HERNIATED NUCLEUS PULPOSUS WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT STENOSIS WERE TREATED NON SURGICALLY.
90% GOOD OR EXCELLENT OUTCOME WITH A 92% RETURN TO WORK RATE.
FOR THE SUBGROUPS WITH EXTRUDED DISCS AND SECOND OPINIONS, 87% AND 83% HAD GOOD OR EXCELLENT OUTCOMES, RESPECTIVELY, ALL (100%) OF WHOM RETURNED TO WORK.
SICK LEAVE TIME FOR THESE SUBGROUPS WAS 2.9 MONTHS (+/- 1.4 MONTHS) AND 3.4 MONTHS (+/- 1.7 MONTHS), RESPECTIVELY. THESE RESULTS COMPARED FAVORABLY WITH PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED SURGICAL STUDIES. FOUR OF SIX PATIENTS WHO REQUIRED SURGERY WERE FOUND TO HAVE STENOSIS AT OPERATION.
Sari H, Akarirmak U, Karacan I, Akman H. Computed tomographic evaluation of lumbar spinal structures during traction. Physiother Theory Pract. 2005 Jan-Mar;21(1):3-11. PMID: 16385939.
DURING TRACTION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH ACUTE LDH THERE WAS A REDUCTION OF THE SIZE OF THE HERNIATION, INCREASED SPACE WITHIN THE SPINAL CANAL, WIDENING OF THE NEURAL FORAMINA, AND DECREASED THICKNESS OF THE PSOAS MUSCLE.
Park WM, Kim K, Kim YH. Biomechanical analysis of two-step traction therapy in the lumbar spine. Man Ther. 2014 Dec;19(6):527-33. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2014.05.004. Epub 2014 May 22. PMID: 24913413. A
COMBINATION OF GLOBAL AXIAL TRACTION AND LOCAL DECOMPRESSION WOULD BE HELPFUL FOR REDUCING TENSILE STRESS ON THE FIBERS OF THE ANNULUS FIBROSUS AND LIGAMENTS, AND INTRADISCAL PRESSURE IN TRACTION THERAPY. THIS STUDY COULD BE USED TO DEVELOP A SAFER AND MORE EFFECTIVE TYPE OF TRACTION THERAPY
Chow DHK, Yuen EMK, Xiao L, Leung MCP. Mechanical effects of traction on lumbar intervertebral discs: A magnetic resonance imaging study. Musculoskelet Sci Pract. 2017 Jun;29:78-83. doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2017.03.007. Epub 2017 Mar 20. PMID: 28347933.
HORIZONTAL TRACTION WAS EVIDENTLY EFFECTIVE IN INCREASING THE DISC HEIGHT OF LOWER LUMBAR LEVELS, PARTICULARLY IN THE POSTERIOR REGIONS OF THE DISCS. FURTHER EVIDENCE OF THE EFFECTS OF TRACTION OF DIFFERENT MODES, MAGNITUDES, AND DURATIONS ON THE CHANGE IN DISC HEIGHT IS REQUIRED FOR PROPER CONTROL OF TRACTION APPLIED TO SPECIFIC DISC LEVELS.
HIGHLIGHTS:
MECHANICAL EFFECTS OF TRACTION ON LUMBAR DISCS WAS EVALUATED USING MRI.
HORIZONTAL TRACTION USING 42% OF BODY WEIGHT WAS ASSOCIATED WITH AN INCREASED DISC HEIGHT OF LOWER LUMBAR DISCS.
HORIZONTAL TRACTION ALSO RESULTED IN REDUCED LORDOSIS AND CHANGE IN TILT ANGLE.
THE EFFECTS WERE MORE PROMINENT AT THE POSTERIOR DISCAL REGIONS.
Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, Forciea MA; Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians. Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2017 Apr 4;166(7):514-530. doi: 10.7326/M16-2367. Epub 2017 Feb 14. PMID: 28192789. a systematic review of randomized, controlled trials and systematic reviews published through April 2015 on noninvasive pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments for low back pain. Updated searches were performed through November 2016.
Recommendation 1: Given that most patients with acute or subacute low back pain improve over time regardless of treat-ment, clinicians and patients should select nonpharmacologic treatment with superficial heat (moderate-quality evidence), massage, acupuncture, or spinal manipulation (low-quality evidence). If pharmacologic treatment is desired, clinicians and patients should select nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or skeletal muscle relaxants (moderate-quality evidence). (Grade: strong recommendation)
Recommendation 2: For patients with chronic low back pain, clinicians and patients should initially select nonpharmacologic treatment with exercise, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, acupuncture, mindfulness-based stress reduction (moderate-quality evidence), tai chi, yoga, motor control exercise, progressive relaxation, electromyography biofeedback, low-level laser therapy, operant therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or spinal manipulation (low-quality evidence). (Grade: strong recommendation)
Recommendation 3: In patients with chronic low back pain who have had an inadequate response to nonpharmacologic therapy, clinicians and patients should consider pharmacologic treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as first-line therapy, or tramadol or duloxetine as second-line therapy. Clinicians should only consider opioids as an option in patients who have failed the aforementioned treatments and only if the potential benefits out-weigh the risks for individual patients and after a discussion of known risks and realistic benefits with patients. (Grade: weak recommendation, moderate-quality evidence)
Low back pain is one of the most common reasons for physician visits in the United States. Most Americans have experienced low back pain, and approximately one quarter of U.S. adults reported having low back pain lasting at least 1 day in the past 3 months (1).Low back pain is associated with high costs, including those related to health care and indirect costs from missed work or reduced productivity (2). The total costs attributable to low back pain in the United States were estimated at $100 billion in 2006, two thirds of which were indirect costs of lost wages and productivity (3).Low back pain is frequently classified and treated on the basis of symptom duration, potential cause, presence or absence of radicular symptoms, and corresponding anatomical or radiographic abnormalities. Acute back pain is defined as lasting less than 4 week
Chou R, Deyo R, Friedly J, Skelly A, Hashimoto R, Weimer M, Fu R, Dana T, Kraegel P, Griffin J, Grusing S, Brodt ED. Nonpharmacologic Therapies for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review for an American College of Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline. Ann Intern Med. 2017 Apr 4;166(7):493-505. doi: 10.7326/M16-2459. Epub 2017 Feb 14. PMID: 28192793.
Background: A 2007 American College of Physicians guideline addressed nonpharmacologic treatment options for low back pain. The current evidence on non-pharmacologic therapies for acute or chronic nonradicular or ra-dicular low back pain from MEDLINE (January 2008 through February 2016), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CochraneDatabase of Systematic Reviews, and reference lists.
Evidence continues to support the effectiveness of exercise, psychological therapies, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, spinal manipulation, massage, and acupuncture for chronic low back pain.
Funding Source:Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (PROSPERO: CRD42014014735)Ann Intern Med.2017;166:xxx-xxx. doi:10.7326/M16-2459Annals.org
the American College of Physicians (ACP)and American Pain Society (APS) recommended spinal manipulation as a treatment option for acute low back pain and several nonpharmacologic therapies for sub-acute or chronic low back pain.
Stochkendahl MJ, Kjaer P, Hartvigsen J, Kongsted A, Aaboe J, Andersen M, Andersen MØ, Fournier G, Højgaard B, Jensen MB, Jensen LD, Karbo T, Kirkeskov L, Melbye M, Morsel-Carlsen L, Nordsteen J, Palsson TS, Rasti Z, Silbye PF, Steiness MZ, Tarp S, Vaagholt M. National Clinical Guidelines for non-surgical treatment of patients with recent onset low back pain or lumbar radiculopathy. Eur Spine J. 2018 Jan;27(1):60-75. doi: 10.1007/s00586-017-5099-2. Epub 2017 Apr 20. PMID: 28429142.
Purpose: To summarise recommendations about 20 non-surgical interventions for recent onset (
If treatment is needed, the guidelines suggest using patient education, different types of supervised exercise, and manual therapy.
The guidelines recommend against acupuncture, routine use of imaging, targeted treatment, extraforaminal glucocorticoid injection, paracetamol, NSAIDs, and opioids.
Krekoukias G1, Gelalis ID1,2, Xenakis T1, Gioftsos G3, Dimitriadis Z4, Sakellari V3. Spinal mobilization vs conventional physiotherapy in the management of chronic low back pain due to spinal disk degeneration: a randomized controlled trial. J Man Manip Ther. 2017 May;25(2):66-73. doi: 10.1080/10669817.2016.1184435. Epub 2016 Jun 23.
MANUAL THERAPY SPINAL MOBILIZATION IS PREFERABLE TO CONVENTIONAL PHYSIOTHERAPY IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE PAIN INTENSITY AND DISABILITY IN SUBJECTS WITH CHRONIC LBP AND ASSOCIATED DISK DEGENERATION. THE FINDINGS OF THIS STUDY MAY LEAD TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SPINAL MOBILIZATION AS ONE OF THE MOST PREFERABLE APPROACHES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF LBP DUE TO DISK DEGENERATION.
REFERENCES FOR 25% RELIEF PAPER BY WIRTH ET AL
Wirth B1, Riner F1, Peterson C1, Humphreys BK1, Farshad M2, Becker S3, Schweinhardt P1. An observational study on trajectories and outcomes of chronic low back pain patients referred from a spine surgery division for chiropractic treatment. Chiropr Man Therap. 2019 Feb 5;27:6. doi: 10.1186/s12998-018-0225-8. eCollection 2019.
Refs on minimal clinical improvement determination:
- Farrar JT, Young JP, Jr, LaMoreaux L, Werth JL, Poole RM. Clinical importance of changes in chronic pain intensity measured on an 11-point numerical pain rating scale. Pain. 2001;94:149–158. doi: 10.1016/S0304-3959(01)00349-9. [PubMed] [CrossRef]
- Kovacs FM, Abraira V, Royuela A, Corcoll J, Alegre L, Cano A, et al. Minimal clinically important change for pain intensity and disability in patients with nonspecific low back pain. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2007;32:2915–2920. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e31815b75ae. [PubMed] [CrossRef]
- Salaffi F, Stancati A, Silvestri CA, Ciapetti A, Grassi W. Minimal clinically important changes in chronic musculoskeletal pain intensity measured on a numerical rating scale. Eur J Pain. 2004;8:283–291. doi: 10.1016/j.ejpain.2003.09.004. [PubMed] [CrossRef]
- Robinson-Papp J, George MC, Dorfman D, Simpson DM. Barriers to chronic pain measurement: a qualitative study of patient perspectives.Pain Med. 2015;16:1256–1264. doi: 10.1111/pme.12717. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [CrossRef]
- Ostelo RW, Deyo RA, Stratford P, Waddell G, Croft P, Von Korff M, et al. Interpreting change scores for pain and functional status in low back pain: towards international consensus regarding minimal important change. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2008;33:90–94. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e31815e3a10. [PubMed] [CrossRef]
Chung TS1, Yang HE, Ahn SJ, Park JH. Herniated Lumbar Disks: Real-time MR Imaging Evaluation during Continuous Traction. Radiology 2015 Jan 22:141400.
CONTINUOUS TRACTION ON HERNIATED LUMBAR DISKS AND SURROUNDING STRUCTURES RESULTED IN CHANGE IN DISK SHAPE, DISK REDUCTION WITH OPENING IN THE INTERVERTEBRAL DISK, REDUCTION OF HERNIATED DISK VOLUME, SEPARATION OF THE DISK AND ADJOINING NERVE ROOT, AND WIDENING OF THE FACET JOINT.
Wong A, Parent E, Dhillon S, Prasad N, Kawchuk G: Do Participants With Low Back Pain Who Respond to Spinal Manipulative Therapy Differ Biomechanically From Nonresponders, Untreated Controls or Asymptomatic Controls? Spine: 01 September 2015 - Volume 40 - Issue 17 - p 1329–1337 doi: 10.1097/BRS.0000000000000981
PARTICIPANTS WITH LBP AND ASYMPTOMATIC CONTROLS ATTENDED 3 SESSIONS FOR 7 DAYS. ON SESSIONS 1 AND 2, PARTICIPANTS WITH LBP RECEIVED SMT (+LBP/+SMT, N = 32) WHEREAS ASYMPTOMATIC CONTROLS DID NOT (−LBP/−SMT, N = 57). IN THESE SESSIONS, SPINAL STIFFNESS AND MULTIFIDUS THICKNESS RATIOS WERE OBTAINED BEFORE AND AFTER SMT AND ON DAY 7. RESULTS.
AFTER THE FIRST SMT, SMT RESPONDERS DISPLAYED STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT DECREASES IN SPINAL STIFFNESS AND INCREASES IN MULTIFIDUS THICKNESS RATIO SUSTAINED FOR MORE THAN 7 DAYS;
THESE FINDINGS WERE NOT OBSERVED IN OTHER GROUPS. SIMILARLY, ONLY SMT RESPONDERS DISPLAYED SIGNIFICANT POST-SMT IMPROVEMENT IN APPARENT DIFFUSION COEFFICIENTS.
Wong AYL1,2, Parent EC3, Dhillon SS4, Prasad N5, Samartzis D6, Kawchuk GN3. Differential patient responses to spinal manipulative therapy and their relation to spinal degeneration and post-treatment changes in disc diffusion. Eur Spine J. 2019 Jan 2. doi: 10.1007/s00586-018-5851-2.
NON-SPECIFIC LOW BACK PAIN PATIENTS WHO RESPOND WITH >30% RELIEF SHOW HIGHER APPARENT DIFFUSION COEFFICIENT DISC DIFFUSION OF WATER THAN NON POSITIVE RESPONDERS. MRI WAS PERFORMED BEFORE AND AFTER SMT ON DAY 1 OF CARE. OSWESTRY DISABILITY TEST WAS ALSO USED.
Beattie PF, Butts R, Donley JW, Liuzzo DM. The Within-Session Change in Low Back Pain Intensity Following Spinal Manipulative Therapy is Related to Differences in Diffusion of Water in the Intervertebral Discs of the Upper Lumbar Spine and L5-S1. Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2013 Nov 21.
Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC.
STUDY TO DETERMINE DIFFERENCES IN THE CHANGES IN DIFFUSION OF WATER WITHIN THE LUMBAR INTERVERTEBRAL DISCS BETWEEN THOSE SUBJECTS WITH LOW BACK PAIN (LBP) WHO DID, AND DID NOT, REPORT A WITHIN-SESSION REDUCTION IN PAIN INTENSITY FOLLOWING A SINGLE TREATMENT OF SPINAL MANIPULATIVE THERAPY (SMT) WAS DONE.
CHANGES IN THE DIFFUSION OF WATER WITHIN THE LUMBAR INTERVERTEBRAL DISCS AT THE L1-2, L2-3, AND L5-1 LEVELS APPEAR TO BE RELATED TO DIFFERENCES IN WITHIN-SESSION PAIN REPORTS FOLLOWING A SINGLE TREATMENT OF SPINAL MANIPULATIVE THERAPY. PARTICIPANTS UNDERWENT T2- AND DIFFUSION-WEIGHTED LUMBAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING SCANS IMMEDIATELY BEFORE, AND AFTER, RECEIVING A SINGLE TREATMENT OF SMTJ
Kuo, Ya-Wen PhD; Hsu, Yu-Chun MS; Chuang, I-Ting MS; Chao, Pen-Hsiu Grace PhD; Wang, Jaw-Lin PhD Spinal Traction Promotes Molecular Transportation in a Simulated Degenerative Intervertebral Disc Model. Spine: April 20th, 2014 - Volume 39 - Issue 9 - p E550
Traction biomechanics studied in the porcine model biomechanical benefits include disc height recovery, foramen enlargement, and intradiscal pressure reduction.
48 thoracic discs were dissected from 8 porcine spines and then divided into 3 groups: intact, degraded without traction, and degraded with traction.
From Day 4 to Day 6, half of the degraded discs received a 30 min traction treatment per day (traction force: 20 kg, loading: unloading = 30 sec: 10 sec).
Traction treatment is effective in enhancing nutrition supply and promoting disc cell proliferation of the degraded discs.