Chiropractors have been helping people with chronic low back pain for decades. We know we've made a huge difference to people's lives and our patients have agreed, now, we finally have official recognition of the value of Chiropractic care from an independent body. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) is an independent organisation which is responsible for setting out guidelines which they believe will result in the promotion of good health and the treatment and prevention of ill heath. These guidelines are based on the best evidence available at the time of publication. In May 2009 they published the guideline on the early management of patients who has long standing low back pain.

Before we look at the guidelines, I think we should remind ourselves of what chiropractic care encompasses. Chiropractors are all trained to provide spinal manipulation, suitable exercise advice and a holistic approach to patient care. I am also trained in medical acupuncture. The care we provide each individual patient is determined by the diagnosis which is based on a thorough case history and examination

So, what do the NICE guidelines say regarding the acute care for chronic low back pain?

1. Promotion of self-help with the necessary advice and information needed to support this

2. Trying manual therapies, including those which use spinal manipulation (up to 9 sessions over 12 weeks)

3. Trying acupuncture needling (up to 10 sessions over 12 weeks)

4. Trying a tailored exercise programme.

As a chiropractor I am fully qualified to offer the appropriate combination of the above measures to ensure that your achy low back pain becomes a distant memory. The longer you leave it, the longer it will take to get better, so do not delay booking in to get checked out!