Researchers from the University of Warwick divided patients who had experienced low back pain for at least six weeks into two groups.
Patients in the therapy group were more likely to report benefits from therapy at two and six months. But at the 12-month follow-up, 70 percent of all the patients provided feedback, and only minor differences existed between the two groups. No differences in scores on a commonly used disability index were found between the groups.
Dr. Domhnall MacAuley, a general practitioner at a family practice office in Belfast, Northern Ireland, said, "The best option is to follow an advice sheet and remain active." He questioned whether patients should be referred to physical therapists in the wake of the study findings showing no apparent long-term benefit
So you can treat back pain yourself?
Zak website:www.backachetherapy.co.uk
