A Comparison of Two Different Methods of Physical Therapy to Treat Acute and Subacute Low Back Pain

All subjects will receive education that back pain is common but rarely harmful in nature, that pain does not necessarily mean that there is structural damage to their back, and that they should try to remain as active as they are able within the limits of their pain. In addition, individualized education regarding posture, body mechanics, sleeping positions, or other concerns of the patient will be provided on a pragmatic basis as deemed appropriate by the treating clinician.

Thrust and/or non-thrust manipulation and soft tissue mobilization as determined by mobility impairments identified on clinical examination.

Motor control exercises as determined by motor control impairments identified on clinical examination.

Lumbopelvic manipulation and range of motion exercise, spinal stabilization exercises, direction specific exercises, and/or traction will be applied as determined by the Treatment-Based Classification (TBC) Algorithm.