What The Experts Say

In May 2009, The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) published new guidelines on management of persistent lower back pain for patients in England and Wales. This covers people who have been in pain for reasons related to structures in the back such as joints, muscles and ligaments.

These guidelines for GPs include offering:

  • A course of manual treatment such as spinal manipulation, mobilisation and massage. Treatment may be provided by a range of health professionals such as Osteopaths, Chiropractors and doctors who have had specialist training.
  • A course of acupuncture.
  • A structured exercise programme which may include postural control and muscle strengthening and stretching.