The effects of chiropractic manipulative therapy and therapeutic ultrasound therapy in chronic mechanical lower back pain

M.Tech. (Chiropractic)The aim of this study is to compare Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy of the lumbar spine combined with Therapeutic Ultrasound Therapy over the adjacent lumbar paraspinal muscles to ascertain the most effective protocol in the treatment of Chronic Mechanical Lower Back Pain. Thirty participants with Chronic Mechanical Lower Back Pain between the ages of 18 and 35 years were recruited. Successful participants were randomly placed in two groups, of fifteen participants each, which would receive different treatment protocols according to their group allocation. Group One received Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy to lumbar spine restrictions. Group Two received Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy to the lumbar spine restrictions as well as Therapeutic Ultrasound Therapy to the adjacent paraspinal muscles. The participants completed a total of seven visits, including 6 treatments over 3 weeks. Subjective and Objective readings were taken on the first, fourth and seventh visits. Subjective readings from each participant were recorded using the Oswestry Disability Iindex and Numerical Pain Rating Scale. Objective readings were taken and recorded three times consecutively using a Pressure Algometer over the adjacent lumbar paraspinal muscles and a Digital Inclinometer to measure lumbar spine range of motions. The statistical data was analysed using the Friedman test, Mann-Whitney test and the Bonferroni test. The results demonstrated overall that both groups responded favourably to their specific treatment protocols, however no significant differences between groups was noted, highlighting the positive effects of the manipulation alone