The efficacy of chiropractic care of low back pain has been validated by the government body, the Medical Research Council (MRC).

In the 1990s, the MRC showed that chiropractic treatment for managing lower back pain was 30% more effective than hospital management, mainly for patients with chronic or severe back pain.

The Royal College of GPs first published their guidelines on back pain in 1996 stating that there is strong evidence that manipulation is an effective treatment for people who have acute or sub-acute lower back pain. These guidelines were revised in 1999 and again in 2001.

A report by the government's Clinical Standards Advisory Group on Back Pain in 1994 emphasised the need for early intervention (within the first six weeks) to prevent chronic pain and disability.