The efficacy of chiropractic care in the treatment of chronic low back pain utilizing spinal manipulation and manipulation of the foot

M.Tech. (Chiropractic)This study was conducted in order to compare the effectiveness of the lumbar spine manipulation versus the foot manipulation/mobilisation for people suffering with chronic low back pain. This research aims to compare the effects of lumbar spine manipulation alone, foot manipulatioil/mobilisation alone or the combination of the two in people suffering with chronic low back pain. Candidates for the study were recruited from the local surrounding area, and through information pamphlets distributed through the Technikon Witwatersrand Doornfontein. The candidates were asked to participate in the study, which was held at the Technikon Witwatersrand Chiropractic day clinic. Only -those candidates that conformed to the selection criteria were allowed to participate in the study. The candidates were assigned to one of three groups. Eac.h group had ten candidates. Group 1 received lumbar spine manipulation alone. Group 2 received foot manipulation/mobilisation alone. Group 3 candidates received lumbar spine manipulation and foot manipulatioil/mobilisation. Subjective data was collected using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale 101 and the Oswestry Low Back Pain and Disability Questionnaire. Objective data was collected using the electronic inclinometer to measure lumbar spine range of motion in flexion, extension, right and left lateral flexion and right and left anterior rotation. The paired Hest was used for statistical analysis, where a statistically significant difference was found; the Student-Newman-Keuls test was performed to identify which statistically significant difference between the groups was found. The results of this study indicate that lumbar spine manipulation alone would appear to have responded better in terms of lumbar spine range ofmotion..