Riassunto dello studio

Eighty adults with nonspecific chronic low back pain were randomized to receive one session of lumbar spinal manipulation (n=40) or a simulated sham manipulation (n=40). Outcomes assessed included pressure pain threshold at various body sites and postural stability. Pain intensity and perceived treatment allocation were also evaluated. Follow-up was immediate post-intervention. Overall, the results of the study revealed that spinal manipulation significantly improved local pain sensitivity at lumbar and nearby sites compared to sham but had no effect on postural stability. Pain intensity decreased in both groups, with a greater proportion achieving clinically significant relief in the spinal manipulation group. This suggests spinal manipulation can provide modest, immediate hypoalgesic effects in chronic low back pain.