Can Chiropractic Care Fix Your Low Back Pain? Research on Lumbar Lordosis Utilizing CBP® Care Offers Hope to Many

Low back pain affects millions worldwide, often disrupting daily life and limiting mobility. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science explores a promising non-surgical approach to treating low back pain by focusing on restoring the natural curve of the lower spine, known as lumbar lordosis. Using Chiropractic BioPhysics® (CBP®) extension traction methods, researchers found significant improvements in pain, disability, and spinal alignment. Let’s dive into what this study means and how it could help you or someone you know with chronic back issues.

What Is Lumbar Lordosis and Why Does It Matter?

Your lower spine naturally curves inward to support your body’s weight and movement. This curve, called lumbar lordosis, is crucial for proper spinal function, like walking or absorbing shock. When this curve is too flat (a condition called hypolordosis), it can lead to low back pain, disc issues, or even sciatica. The study confirms that people with reduced lumbar lordosis are more likely to experience chronic back pain, making it a key target for treatment.

The Study: A Closer Look at CBP® Extension Traction

The researchers reviewed three clinical trials (two randomized and one non-randomized) involving 120 patients with low back pain or disc-related issues, all of whom had hypolordosis. These patients underwent CBP® lumbar extension traction, a technique that gently stretches the spine to restore its natural curve. Here’s what they found:

  • Improved Spinal Curve: After 30–36 sessions over 10–12 weeks, patients saw their lumbar lordosis increase by 7–11 degrees, as measured by X-rays.
  • Pain and Disability Relief: Pain levels dropped significantly (e.g., from 4.4/10 to 0.6/10 in one trial), and disability scores improved, meaning patients could move and function better.
  • Long-Term Benefits: In follow-up periods (6 months to 1.5 years), those who received traction maintained their improved spinal curve and pain relief, especially with periodic maintenance care. In contrast, control groups (who didn’t get traction) saw their pain return within months.

The control groups, who received standard treatments like hot packs or exercises without traction, showed temporary pain relief but no improvement in spinal curvature, highlighting the unique role of CBP® traction.

How Does CBP® Extension Traction Work?

Imagine lying on a table with a strap gently pulling under your lower back to encourage the spine’s natural curve. This is the essence of CBP® lumbar extension traction. The setup uses a “3-point bending” technique, applying pressure at specific points to stretch the spine safely. Sessions last 10–20 minutes and are combined with other therapies like spinal manipulation or exercises for optimal results. The study suggests this method targets the spine’s ligaments and discs, gradually reshaping them to restore proper alignment.

Why This Matters for Back Pain Sufferers

Low back pain is a global health issue, affecting up to 80% of people at some point. Traditional treatments like stretching or heat therapy often provide short-term relief but don’t address the root cause, especially if the spine’s alignment is off. This study shows that fixing hypolordosis with CBP® traction not only reduces pain but also offers lasting benefits, unlike conventional methods where symptoms often return. For those with chronic back pain or disc issues, this could be a game-changer.

What You Can Do

If you’re struggling with low back pain, here are some steps based on the study’s insights:

  1. Consult a CBP® Practitioner: Find a chiropractor trained in CBP® methods to assess your lumbar lordosis with X-rays and design a tailored traction plan.
  2. Commit to Treatment: Expect 36-40 sessions over a few months for noticeable structural results, with possible maintenance care to sustain benefits. Pain relief is generally noticeable within just a few visits!
  3. Stay Informed: Talk to your healthcare provider about whether CBP® traction is right for you, especially if you have disc herniation or chronic pain.

 

Limitations and Next Steps

The study notes a few limitations: only a small number of trials were reviewed, and the patient groups were mostly middle-aged adults. More research is needed to confirm these findings for younger or older people and to identify who benefits most from this treatment. Future studies could also explore the ideal number of sessions or combine traction with other therapies for even better outcomes. Check with your CBP® practitioner for a consultation to determine if you are eligible for care. An X-Ray will be able to determine eligibility for traction and sometimes an MRI is needed.

Conclusion

The Journal of Physical Therapy Science study offers exciting evidence that CBP® lumbar extension traction can restore spinal alignment and provide lasting relief for low back pain. By addressing the root cause—hypolordosis—this non-surgical approach stands out from traditional treatments. If back pain is holding you back, consider exploring CBP® with a qualified practitioner. Have you or someone you know tried chiropractic care for back pain? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

For more details, read the full study here.

 

Reference:

Oakley, P. A., Ehsani, N. N., Moustafa, I. M., & Harrison, D. E. (2020). Restoring lumbar lordosis: a systematic review of controlled trials utilizing Chiropractic Bio Physics® (CBP®) non-surgical approach to increasing lumbar lordosis in the treatment of low back disorders. Journal of physical therapy science, 32(9), 601–610. https://doi.org/10.1589/jpts.32.601