An article appearing in the journal Spine (1995;20(5):615-619) discusses exercise, mobility and manipulation as it pertains to back pain. Bed rest or curtailing activity is not considered to be an important aspect of treating back pain. On the contrary, physical therapy and exercise is a much more effective treatment modality for getting the back pain patient to recover and go back to work. The article cites one study where 90% of the patients with back pain responded to vigorous exercise, and 92% were able to return to work. Four of the six patients who did not respond were found to have spinal stenosis.
The article goes on to say that there is a role for mobilization and manipulation for treating mechanical issues involved acute back pain. Although most cases of acute back pain resolve themselves, manipulation can speed recovery.
