Osteopathy Research on Back Pain

Did you know Canadians have chosen manual osteopathy as their #1 choice for low back pain relief? Did you know osteopathic manual therapy (OMT) is effective for menstrual pain, disc conditions, and pregnancy related back pain?

Below you find a list of scientific research showing effectiveness of manual osteopathy for disorders of muscles, bones, and joints (musculoskeletal disorders).

Boesler D et al (JAOA, 1993) demonstrated that OMT improved EMGs and back and menstrual pain.

Andersson GB et al (NEJM, 1999) did a randomized, controlled trial, showing OMT treated back pain as well as medication.

Burton AK et al (Eur Spine J, 1999) showed that OMT treated sciatica as well as injecting chemicals to dissolve herniated disks.

William NH et al (Fam Pract, 2003) demonstrated that a clinic providing OMT improved long-term spinal pain.

McReynolds TM & Sheridan BJ (JAOA, 2005) proved OMT was as effective as the drug ketorlac for treating spinal pain.

Degenhardt BF et al (JAOA, 2007) showed that OMT altered levels of back pain biomarkers.

Parker J et al (JAOA, 2012) compared OMT in well- and less-hydrated patients with back pain, and demonstrated that OMT works best when well-hydrated.

Vismara L et al (Man Ther, 2012) improved back pain in obese patients using OMT and an exercise regimen.

Schwerla F et al (Forsch Komplementmed, 2008 & J Altern Complement Med, 2013) used OMT to improve neck pain intensity, disability and overall quality of life.

Licciardone JC et al (Spine, 2003; Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2010; JAOA, 2012; JAOA 2013; Ann Fam Med, 2013 & Man Ther, 2013) did several well-designed studies, showing that OMT improves back pain and other symptoms among the general population, pregnant women, diabetics and depressed people both acutely and over time.

Vieira-Pellenz F et al (Arch Phys Med Rehabil, 2014) did a randomized controlled, double-blind trial, proving OMT improved pain in patients with degenerative disk disease.

Hensel KL et al (Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2014) did a randomized controlled trial of OMT and pregnancy and demonstrated reduced back pain and back-related function.