title: A randomized controlled trial comparing a multimodal intervention and standard obstetrics care for low back and pelvic pain in pregnancy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Women commonly experience low back pain during pregnancy. We examined whether a multimodal approach of musculoskeletal and obstetric management (MOM) was superior to standard obstetric care to reduce pain, impairment, and disability in the antepartum period.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective, randomized trial of 169 women was conducted. Baseline evaluation occurred at 24-28 weeks' gestation, with follow-up at 33 weeks' gestation. Primary outcomes were the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pain and the Quebec Disability Questionnaire (QDQ). Both groups received routine obstetric care. Chiropractic specialists provided manual therapy, stabilization exercises, and patient education to MOM participants.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The MOM group demonstrated significant mean reductions in Numerical Rating Scale scores (5.8 ± 2.2 vs 2.9 ± 2.5; P < .001) and Quebec Disability Questionnaire scores (4.9 ± 2.2 vs 3.9 ± 2.4; P < .001) from baseline to follow-up evaluation. The group that received standard obstetric care demonstrated no significant improvements.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A multimodal approach to low back and pelvic pain in mid pregnancy benefits patients more than standard obstetric care.
authors.affiliation: Chiropractic Science Division, College of Chiropractic, Logan University, Chesterfield, MO, USA. james.george@logan.edu
authors.forename: James W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: George
authors.forename: Clayton D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Skaggs
authors.forename: Paul A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: D Michael
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: Jeffrey A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Gavard
authors.forename: Gilad A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Gross
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000628:therapy*; D055815:Young Adult