Comparison of a Multiple Thrust Instrument to a Single Thrust Instrument in Treating the Low Back (AECC)

• Pressure pain threshold over the spinous process [ Time Frame: An average of 5 minutes from the end of the first treatment ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  An instrument used to measure pressure in kilograms is placed over the spinous process of the vertebra involved and the level of pressure is recorded when the sensation of pressure changes to pain.
• Surface EMG (electromyography) of the lumbar erector spinae flexion-relaxation response [ Time Frame: An average of 5 minutes from the end of treatment. ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  Surface electromyography will be used pre-treatment and post-treatment to determine if a change in muscle activity occurs with flexing the lumbar spine.

The purposes of this study are to determine if there is a difference between two treatment methods of spine joints that are not moving as they should as determined by tenderness over the spine and activity of the muscles along side the spine with movement.

The hypothesis is that there will be no difference between the two types of treatment.

Two specialised instruments used for treating manipulable lesions of the spine will be compared using muscle relaxation response of the erector spinae muscles and correction of the spinal manipulable lesion.

• Device: Activator IV single impulse instrument
  This is a manually operated device that delivers a single thrust into the joint involved.
  Other Name: Activator IV instrument
• Device: Multiple thrust Impulse adjusting instrument
  A device used for delivering 12 thrusts to the involved joint of the lumbar spine.
  Other Name: Impulse adjusting instrument

• Active Comparator: Multiple thrust Impulse instrument
  This instrument automatically delivers 12 thrusts at the same intensity over the joint involved.
  Intervention: Device: Multiple thrust Impulse adjusting instrument
• Active Comparator: Single impulse Activator IV instrument
  This is a manual spring loaded device that delivers one thrust to the joint involved
  Intervention: Device: Activator IV single impulse instrument

Inclusion Criteria:

• Between 18-64 years of age
• Fluent in English
• With non-specific low back pain
• No lumbar manipulation within the prior 24 hours
• Not involved in strenuous back exercise on the day preceding the study
• Have not taken pain medication for two days prior to the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Absolute contraindications to manipulation
• Specific causes for the low back pain
• Involved in or pending litigation for low back pain
• Lumbar related leg pain