Effects of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment and Bio Electro-Magnetic Regulation Therapy on Low Back Pain in Adults.

It is clear that low back pain (LBP) is a major challenge in our society, which can lead to severe disability in many individuals. Although there are several different treatments and approaches to help individuals with LBP, the number affected by this condition has been steadily increasing. OMT has been shown to be helpful in the treatment of LBP. In fact, the use of OMT has been shown to increase mobility of the lumbar myofascial tissues, visceral motion and decrease pain in patients with LBP. Bio Electro-Magnetic Regulation (BEMER) Therapy is a therapeutic modality that deploys a biorhythmically defined stimulus through a Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF), which leads to an increase in blood flow. The positive effects of BEMER on the circulation has been shown to result in significant increases in arteriovenous oxygen difference, number of open capillaries, arteriolar and venular flow volume, and flow rate of red blood cells in the microvasculature. Therefore, BEMER can potentially be used in the treatment of LBP by improving microcirculation in muscular tissue. In fact, BEMER with physiotherapy showed reductions in pain and fatigue acutely in patients with chronic low back pain. A systemic review of randomized controlled trials that investigated whether PEMF was effective in low back pain showed there was decrease in pain intensity and improved functionality in individuals with different low back pain conditions. Therefore, it is plausible that the combination of OMT and BEMER therapy may help increase circulation to myofascial structures that influence low back restriction and pain. The purpose of this study is to investigate the individual and combined effects of OMT and BEMER therapy on low back pain.