Can patient reactions to the first chiropractic treatment predict early favorable treatment outcome in persistent low back pain?
OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether 3 distinct patterns of reactions to chiropractic care predict early favorable treatment outcome in patients with persistent low back pain. DESIGN AND SETTING: Multicenter, clinic-based prospective outcome study with standardized interview questionnaires conducted in private chiropractic practices in Sweden. STUDY SUBJECTS: Previously compliant chiropractors were invited to participate in the study. A maximum of 20 consecutive patients (per chiropractor) who sought chiropractic care for low back pain with or without sciatica with a duration of more than 2 weeks at the time of consultation and for a minimum of 30 days total during the past year. INTERVENTION: Chiropractic management as decided by the treating chiropractor. OUTCOME AND PREDICTOR VARIABLES: Improvement was defined at the 4th visit as self-reported “definitely improved” (the best of 5 choices). The hypothesized most favorable prognostic group had immediate improvement reported on the 1st vi
