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Journal of Osteopathic Medicine May 2023 - Osteopathic manipulative treatment of patients with chronic low back pain in the United States: a retrospective cohort study

OVERVIEW:

The practice of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) varies substantially across nations. Much of this variability may be attributed to disparate international education, licensing, and regulatory environments that govern the practice of osteopathy by nonphysicians. This is in contrast with the United States, where osteopathic physicians are trained to integrate OMT as part of comprehensive patient management.

The purpose of this study was to measure the effectiveness of OMT when osteopathic physicians utilize it as part of a comprehensive approach to CLBP care. To overcome the aforementioned methodological difficulties in performing a rigorous randomized controlled trial in this setting over the past 40 years, we conducted a retrospective cohort study within a national pain research registry with propensity-score adjustment for OMT use upon entry to the cohort. Our hypothesis was that OMT integrated within CLBP care provided by osteopathic physicians would provide significant treatment effects in pain and other outcomes, including health-related quality of life.

Author: John C. Licciardone, DO, MS, MBA, FACPM

OBJECTIVES:

 Discuss the impact of chronic low back pain (CLBP) on health and disability

 Describe the factors associated with OMT use within the overall medical care for CLBP

 Discuss the outcomes when OMT is integrated within the overall medical care for CLBP

Expiration Date:  April 13, 2026

The AOA designates this activity for a maximum of 1.0 AOA Category 1-B Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.