Back pain breakthrough? study tests chiropractic and Self-Care to stop pain becoming chronic

NCT ID NCT03581123

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Minnesota Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looked at 1,000 adults with acute low back pain who were at risk of it becoming chronic. Researchers tested whether spinal manipulation therapy combined with guided self-care (like pain education and lifestyle advice) works better than standard medical care. The treatments lasted up to eight weeks, and participants were followed for a year to see if their pain and disability improved.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Spinal manipulation therapy and supported self-management (behavioral strategies, lifestyle advice, pain education)
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could offer a simple, non-drug way to stop short-term back pain from turning into long-term disability.
What could go wrong: The trial is completed, but results may not apply to everyone with back pain. Benefits may be modest and depend on patient engagement with self-care.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Acute Pain Low Back Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ACUTE PAIN LOW BACK PAIN, MECHANICAL

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States
University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15219, United States
University of Washington

Seattle, Washington, 98195, United States

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