Research

Amount of health care and self-care following a randomized clinical trial comparing flexion-distraction with exercise program for chronic low back pain

Jerrilyn A Cambron^1,2 , M Ram Gudavalli^1,3 , Marion McGregor⁴ , James Jedlicka⁵ , Michael Keenum⁶ , Alexander J Ghanayem^7,8 , Avinash G Patwardhan^7,8 and Sylvia E Furner²

¹Department of Research, National University of Health Sciences, Lombard IL, USA

²Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA

³Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport IA, USA

⁴Independent Consultant, Plano TX, USA

⁵Department of Chiropractic Practice, National University of Health Sciences, Lombard IL, USA

⁶Orthosport Physical Therapy, Inc., Chicago IL, USA

⁷Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, Loyola University- Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood IL, USA

⁸Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, Hines IL, USA

author email corresponding author email

Chiropractic & Osteopathy 2006, 14:19doi:10.1186/1746-1340-14-19

Published:	24 August 2006

Abstract

Background

Previous clinical trials have assessed the percentage of participants who utilized further health care after a period of conservative care for low back pain, however no chiropractic clinical trial has determined the total amount of care during this time and any differences based on assigned treatment group. The objective of this clinical trial follow-up was to assess if there was a difference in the total number of office visits for low back pain over one year after a four week clinical trial of either a form of physical therapy (Exercise Program) or a form of chiropractic care (Flexion Distraction) for chronic low back pain.

Methods

In this randomized clinical trial follow up study, 195 participants were followed for one year after a four-week period of either a form of chiropractic care (FD) or a form of physical therapy (EP). Weekly structured telephone interview questions regarded visitation of various health care practitioners and the practice of self-care for low back pain.

Results

Participants in the physical therapy group demonstrated on average significantly more visits to any health care provider and to a general practitioner during the year after trial care (p < 0.05). No group differences were noted in the number of visits to a chiropractor or physical therapist. Self-care was initiated by nearly every participant in both groups.

Conclusion

During a one-year follow-up, participants previously randomized to physical therapy attended significantly more health care visits than those participants who received chiropractic care.