Spinal Manipulation
According to the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, spinal manipulation can be helpful for some people during the first month of low back pain. During spinal manipulation, the hands are used to apply force to the back to adjust the spine. Spinal manipulation often relieves symptoms, but it does not appear to reduce the length and frequency of episodes of back pain.
Spinal manipulation should be done only by a professional, such as a physical therapist, a chiropractor, or an osteopath, with experience in the technique. If your symptoms have not responded to spinal manipulation within 4 weeks, make an appointment to see your healthcare professional.
If you have not visited a chiropractor in the past, you can find specialists in your area from the American Chiropractic Association. This organization endorses the use of chiropractic only for the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases.
