Fortunately, the procedure of manipulation for the management of back pain has considerable data from RCTs, far more than any other low back procedure. Additionally, the authors have subjected this data to a fairly new kind of analysis called confidence profile method, which was developed for this purpose by David Eddy, M.D., MPH, and others. Because Eddy's methodology was used, this report has attracted keen interest by health authorities world-wide. But the reader must understand the future scrutiny and criticism this ground-breaking article will have to endure. Spinal manipulation is of short-term benefit in some patients, particularly those with uncomplicated, acute low back pain.
Data are insufficient concerning the efficacy of spinal manipulation for chronic low back pain.
The most important aspect of this paper is the exposure it provided to the most conservative within the medical establishment. This demonstrates to the world the chiropractic profession's willingness to fund quality research, something unknown outside our own profession. Perhaps the most exciting part of this research project was the 65 references listed at the end of the paper. These references make the reader aware of the significant amount of quality research currently available on spinal manipulation. It is very encouraging to see the men and women who have dedicated themselves to chiropractic research gain recognition outside our profession.