Feasibility of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Low Back Pain in Rural Chimaltenango, Guatemala: A Pilot Study

Background Low back pain (LBP) is a global health issue that primarily affects underserved communities with limited access to healthcare. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) offers non-pharmacological, hands-on interventions that align with its core principle of holistic care. However, little is known about the feasibility and perception of OMT in rural Chimaltenango, Guatemala. This pilot study assesses the feasibility, effectiveness, and participant perception of osteopathic principles in managing LBP complaints. Methods Adult participants experiencing LBP were recruited by the research team during Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine's (KCUCOM) global health mission trip, following their one-day primary care visit. Pre- and post-treatment Visual Analog Scale scores (VAS), Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (ODQ), and modified Osteopathic Survey of Health Care in America (OSTEOSURV) surveys were used in the study to assess pain, activities of daily living, satisfaction, and awareness of OMT. Manipulative techniques were tailored based on the participants' complaints and delivered by a trained fourth-year medical student under the supervision of an osteopathic physician. Results The data showed that 62.5% (n = 5/8) of participants reported a baseline pain score of VAS ≥ 8. Post-treatment, the majority, 75% (n = 6/8), reported greater than 50% pain relief, and 12.5% (n = 1/8) were pain-free (VAS = 0). All participants (100%, n = 8/8) were unfamiliar with OMT before the session. However, 75% (n = 6/8) reported satisfaction with the treatment following manipulation. Conclusion OMT is a feasible and acceptable modality for LBP management in rural Guatemala. These findings support further investigation that includes a larger sample size and the possibility for future integration of osteopathic care into global health outreach, particularly for under-resourced populations that lack access to conventional pain management.