Lumbar spinal manipulation on trial. Part II--radiological assessment.

In a trial of manipulation for chronic low back pain, radiographs of the lumbar spine and radiographic assessment of spinal motion were of no value in predicting or assessing the response of the patients to manipulation. Although radiography of the lumbar spine is a commonly requested investigation, it contributes little to the management of such patients except to exclude serious spinal pathology before any form of physical treatment is commenced.