A randomised controlled trial of the effect on chronic low back pain of a naturopathic osteopathy intervention

INTERVENTION: Questionnaire inquiry of disability, pain and sense of well being administered at recruitment, 3, 6, 12 months, and at 5 years. Half will be randomised to an intervention arm that comprises treatment at the British College of Naturopathy and Osteopathy (BCNO) by third/fourth year students under the supervision of experienced trainer practitioners. This intervention will be naturopathic osteopathy and include patient diaries. Up to seven treatments will be given, expecting an average of five weekly treatments. CONDITION: Musculoskeletal Diseases: Back pain ; Musculoskeletal Diseases ; Dorsalgia PRIMARY OUTCOME: Assessment of:; 1. Disability using the Roland Morris Score; 2. Self competence using the Perceived Pain Management Competence Scale; 3. Beliefs using the Back Beliefs Questionnaire; 4. Pain using the Von Korff questionnaire; 5. Well‐being using the SF12. ; ; All of these are self‐administered questionnaires. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Not provided at time of registration INCLUSION CRITERIA: 240 clients aged between 20 and 65 presenting at ten general practices in Brent in the summer of 2000 with low back pain of over three months duration. Random allocation to an intervention arm and usual care.