The Effects of Thrust Joint Manipulation on the Resting and Contracting Thickness of Transversus Abdominis in Subjects With Low Back Pain

Patients with low back pain (LBP) will undergo ultrasound imaging of the transversus
abdominis to measure the muscle thickness at rest and at the contracted state prior to
intervention and again immediately after intervention. In this randomized controlled trial,
patients will be randomized into one of two groups. One group will receive the intervention
of thrust joint manipulation of the lumbar spine and the other group will receive the
intervention of non-thrust joint manipulation of the lumbar spine.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Adults between 18-70 years of age with primary symptom of LBP, with or without
referral into lower extremity.

- Subjects must be able to read and write in English.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Presence of serious pathology.

- Diagnosis of spinal stenosis or symptoms in both lower legs (changes in sensation,
muscle weakness).

- Any history of low back surgery, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, osteopenia,
scoliosis, or ankylosing spondylitis.

- Pregnancy

- Pending legal action.

- Prior surgery to the lumbar spine or fractures of the lumbar spine.