The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research

On December 8, 1994, The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, released an extensive study of diagnostic and treatment methods for acute low back pain. This condition is the most common health complaint experienced by working Americans today, and a condition which costs the economy at least $50 billion a year in lost wages and productivity.

The AHCPR panel - a 23-member committee of medical doctors, nurses, chiropractic doctors, experts in spine research, physical therapists, a psychologist, an occupational therapist and a consumer representative - concluded, among other things, that:

spinal manipulation is a recommended treatment for acute low back problems in adults; conservative treatment such as manipulation should be pursued - in most cases - before surgical interventions are considered; prescription drugs such as oral steroids, antidepressant medications and colchicine are not recommended for acute low back problems.