RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07161661

Chronic Low Back Pain and Osteopathic Manipulation Treatment

Feasibility of Implementing Manual Medicine in the Multimodal Management of Veterans and Service Members With Chronic Low Back Pain

Sponsor

Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital

Enrollment

48 participants

Start Date

Nov 1, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP)Low Back Pain

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if adding Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT) to the usual medical care provided at the VA (usual VA care) improves treatment outcomes in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP). OMT is a set of hands-on techniques a doctor uses to move a patient's muscles and joints which include stretching, gentle pressure, resistance and applying forces to specific areas of the body. This feasibility clinical trial aims to learn about the treatment effects (e.g., effect sizes) of adding OMT to the usual medical care provided at the VA (Usual VA Care) in individuals with LBP.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria6

years of age and older
Seeking care for LBP from a participating VA clinic
Able to follow study protocol
Willing to be randomized to Usual VA Care or Usual VA Care + OMT
Individuals with pain primarily in the LBP region lasting > 3 months and present on at least half the days during the past 6 months
Pain rating over the past 7 days equal to or greater than 3/10 as indicated on the Numeric Rating Scale for Pain

Exclusion Criteria8

Signs of serious pathology as a cause of LBP
Underlying systemic or inflammatory conditions
Neurological diseases
Pregnancy
Previous back surgery or spinal fracture within the past year
Active workers' compensation or litigation for back pain
Any conditions impeding study protocol implementation or contraindication to OMT
No PM\&R, OMT, chiropractic, or physical treatment where manual techniques are utilized within last 3mo