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Osteopathic manipulative treatment

Osteopathic manipulative treatment is based on the theory that back pain is caused by abnormalities of the muscles and other tissues in the spine and trunk region. Osteopathic manipulative treatment has been used to treat neck, back, and shoulder pain. Although studies are limited, this form of manipulation has been found to be successful in relieving back pain and improving function.1

Osteopathic manipulative treatment is usually provided by an osteopathic physician (DO), or a medical doctor (MD) or physical therapist who is specially trained in osteopathic technique.

Citations

  1. Andersson GB, et al. (1999). A comparison of osteopathic spinal manipulation with standard care for patients with low back pain. New England Journal of Medicine, 341(19): 1426–1431.

Author Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Author Lila Havens
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Katy E. Magee, MA
Associate Editor Michele Cronen
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer William M. Green, MD
- Emergency Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Kathie Hummel-Berry, PT, PhD
- Physical Therapy
Specialist Medical Reviewer Robert B. Keller, MD
- Orthopedics
Last Updated February 15, 2006

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: February 15, 2006
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