A 23-member committee of medical doctors, nurses, chiropractic doctors, experts in spine research, physical therapists, a psychologist, an occupational therapist and a consumer representative — concluded, among other things, that:

• spinal manipulation is a recommended treatment for acute low back problems in adults;
• conservative treatment such as manipulation should be pursued — in most cases — before surgical interventions are considered;
• prescription drugs such as oral steroids, antidepressant medications and colchicine are not recommended for acute low back problems.