Combining osteopathic manipulative medicine and phototherapy for chronic lower back pain relief

Efficacy of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Phototherapy for Patients With Chronic Lower Back Pain

Not applicable Interventional New York Institute of Technology · NCT01765777

This study is testing if combining hands-on treatment and light therapy can help people with chronic lower back pain feel better than just using standard treatments or either method alone.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment48 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorNew York Institute of Technology Academic / other
Locations1 site (Old Westbury, New York)
Trial IDNCT01765777 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research investigates whether the combination of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) and phototherapy can provide greater pain relief for patients suffering from chronic lower back pain compared to standard medical management or either treatment alone. Previous studies have shown that both OMM and phototherapy are effective individually, but this study aims to explore their combined efficacy. Participants will be assessed for their chronic pain levels before and after treatment to evaluate the effectiveness of the combined approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 65 with chronic nonspecific lower back pain lasting at least three months.

Not a fit: Patients with specific underlying conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, cancer, or those who have had recent lower back surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could offer enhanced pain relief for patients with chronic lower back pain.

How similar studies have performed: While both OMM and phototherapy have shown effectiveness individually, this combined approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age range: 18 - 65 years old
* Subjects with constant or intermittent nonspecific lower back pain for a minimum of three (3) months duration.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prospective subjects with a diagnosis of the following potential underlying causes of lower back pain: ankylosing spondylitis, cancer or a history of a histologically demonstrated malignant carcinoma, cauda equine syndrome, herniated disc, spinal fracture, or spinal osteomyelitis.
* Prospective subjects who have undergone surgery of the lower back in the preceding three (3) months.
* Prospective subjects who have received worker's compensation in the preceding three (3) months, or are involved in litigation involving concerns of lower back.
* Prospective subjects who are pregnant.
* Prospective subjects who have been a patient receiving any osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) treatment at the clinical trial site in the previous three (3) months, or on greater than three (3) occasions in the preceding year.
* Prospective subjects who have ever been an employee at the clinical trial site.
* Prospective subjects who have received spinal manipulation in the previous three (3) months, or on greater than three (3) occasions in the preceding year.
* Prospective subjects who are currently involved in a physical therapy rehabilitation program.
* Prospective subjects who have photosensitivity.

Where this trial is running

Old Westbury, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Chronic Lower Back PainLow back painLower back painChronic back pain
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.