Lower-back pain affects about one out of every four adults. Spinal manipulation, sometimes called spinal adjustment, is a treatment in which a practitioner uses controlled force to move a joint beyond its normal range of motion to relieve pain and improve function. Evidence shows that spinal manipulation works as well as conventional treatments to relieve mild to moderate lower-back pain. 

 Spinal manipulation may be done as part of conventional physical therapy or by a chiropractic or osteopathic doctor. If done by a trained practitioner, spinal manipulation is safe and has few complications. The American College of Physicians includes spinal manipulation as an option to consider if self-care has not relieved recurring lower back pain. 

Massage therapy is an ancient alternative health treatment that many Americans use to relieve recurring pain and reduce stress and anxiety. It is a form of physical therapy in which therapists use their hands, fingers, forearms, elbows, and sometimes even their feet to rub, probe, and stimulate muscles and soft tissues. A recent national health survey found that 18 million American adults use massage therapy.

There is not much scientific evidence to show why massage therapy works, but when a trained therapist performs it, it’s been found to be very safe. Studies do show that massage therapy may be effective for relief of low back pain and chronic neck pain. The American College of Physicians recommends massage therapy as an alternative health treatment for chronic low-back pain.

Acupuncture is an ancient type of therapy that many Americans use as an alternative health option for pain relief. This form of physical therapy relies on the strategic placement of small needles on the skin to regulate the flow of vital energy in the body. Back pain, joint pain, and migraine headache are among the most common reasons that people try acupuncture.

A recent survey found that more than 3 million Americans used acupuncture for pain relief in the past year. And for good reason: When performed by a trained therapist, acupuncture is safe and has very few complications. One review of a few well-designed clinical trials found that acupuncture was as effective in reducing migraine headache as taking headache medications. And it appears to be quite effective for osteoarthritis joint pain. Several studies have found that acupuncture can relieve knee joint pain and improve function.

Body movement that combines exercise, balance, breathing techniques, concentration, and meditation has been used for centuries to restore health. Yoga is one of the most popular alternative health activities in America. Tai chi is practiced by over 2 million Americans. Mind-body techniques such as guided imagery and progressive muscle relaxation have been shown to decrease pain and even reduce the amount of pain medicine needed after surgery.

Whether for joint pain, migraine headache, or recurring pain in your lower back, many people seek pain relief with alternative health options. However, keep in mind that while these treatments may be effective, some types of alternative health therapies may not be appropriate substitutes for conventional physical therapy or medications. Always let your doctor know if you are using alternative health treatments.