With support from the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institute of Health, Gregory Hicks recently led a clinical trial with researchers at UD, Duke University and the University of Pittsburgh to test new ways of treating chronic low back pain in adults 60 to 85 years old. The study, called the Manual Therapy and Strengthening the Hip (MASH) Trial, is believed by the research team to be the first clinical trial to assess the efficacy of an intervention matched to an at-risk subgroup of older adults with chronic low back pain and coexisting hip pain and muscle weakness.

Conducted between November 2019 and April 2022, the study involved 184 participants who were randomly assigned to either hip-focused or spine-focused therapies delivered at the researchers’ locations over an eight-week period. The study participants were evaluated for pain-related disability, walking performance (speed and endurance) and the ability to rise after being seated in a chair.

The findings, published in The Lancet Rheumatology, indicate that while both therapies improved walking speed similarly, the hip-focused therapy resulted in a greater reduction in disability from low back pain immediately following the eight-week intervention, but no difference at six months.

According to the World Health organization, low back pain is the leading cause of disability globally. Cases around the world have increased 60% in the past 30 years. Chiropractors are experts in both hands-on spine and hip therapies, and will focus on whichever therapy will bring the quickest and most long-lasting relief.

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