Abstract
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Introduction: Low back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Osteopathy, created by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, focuses on restoring balance and homeostasis through manual techniques.
Objective: To evaluate whether individual or combined osteopathic manipulative techniques (upper cervical, diaphragm, pelvis, and talus/foot) improve pain and lumbar mobility immediately after application in individuals with nonspecific low back pain.
Methods: Thirty volunteers (80% female, mean age 38.6) with nonspecific low back pain were randomly assigned to six groups: cervical (A), pelvis (B), diaphragm (C), talus (D), placebo (E), and combined techniques (F). Pain and function were assessed pre- and post-intervention using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), algometry, the Wells sit-and-reach test, the Schober test, and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire.
Results: Group F (combined techniques) demonstrated the greatest improvement across all measures: VAS pain reduction of 57.6%, increased pain pressure thresholds by 76.3%, and significant gains in mobility compared with all other groups (p < 0.05). Groups A, B, C, and D showed modest improvements, while the placebo group showed no change.
Conclusion: The combined application of upper cervical, diaphragm, pelvis, and talus manipulative techniques produced superior results in pain relief and mobility compared to isolated techniques in patients with nonspecific low back pain.
Keywords: Osteopathy, Low back pain, Manual therapy, Manipulative techniques.
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