An updated clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends spinal manipulation and other non-invasive, non-drug therapies as the first options for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain, rather than medications, as previously recommended in the original 2007 guideline.
Based on two background evidence reviews and a systematic review sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the guideline partially updates the 2007 joint ACP / American Pain Society guideline and features three recommendations for all clinicians treating adult patients presenting with low back pain.
Patients should select nonpharmacologic treatment such as massage or acupuncture with spinal manipulation. For patients with chronic low back pain, clinicians and patients should initially select nonpharmacologic treatment with exercise and multidisciplinary rehabilitation.
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.
Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard. Dr. Thatcher treats many patients with low back pain and the office accepts most major health insurance. For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com. If you have additional questions or if you wish to schedule an appointment, please contact us by phone. You can reach us at (719) 574-3700.
