A double-blind, crossover clinical trial was conducted to investigate the possible role of endorphins in the pain relief brought about by osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) for low back pain. Twelve male patients who clinically demonstrated painful limitation of movement at the level of the lumbar spine received OMT on two occasions, once after an intravenous does of naloxone (10 mg), and once after an intravenous dose of naloxone vehicle. Thirty minutes prior to drug treatment, the subject's limitation of movement and subjective pain were assessed. Following drug treatment and OMT, limitation of movement and subjective pain were assessed at regular intervals during a 2-hour period. The results revealed that the only significant pain relief observed was in the naloxone treatment group. These findings suggest the possibility that naloxone could in some way be contributing an analgesic effect in terms of the musculoskeletal pain being experienced by these patients.
Reprinted from JAOA, The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association. Copyright American Osteopathic Association. Permission given with the consent of the American Osteopathic Association.

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