Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common ailments that affect people today. Ninety percent of individuals will experience acute back pain sometime in their lives, while 10 % will have chronic low back pain. The cause of LBP is often multifactorial, and only 15 % of LBP is found to be due to a known etiology, while the remaining 85% have an unknown etiology for the pain. LBP not only causes physical pain but also affects patients psychologically and is a source of depression and anxiety. Spinal pain management continues to be an issue for healthcare providers on a global scale. Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is a treatment modality that has been researched and significantly decreases both acute and chronic low back pain by manipulating the spinal vertebra, intervertebral discs, spinal ligaments, and muscles connected to the spinal segments in question.

MET is an important tool that can be used by trained professionals to aid in the treatment of LBP, which is currently particularly crucial due to the marked potential abuse of opioid medications. Opioids do not address the underlying somatic dysfunction causing LBP and serve to only mask pain. MET provides pain reduction by addressing the root of the problem, which is the misalignment and inappropriate proprioception of the spine, surrounding musculature, and other associated soft tissues. MET is used to realign spinal segments and allow relaxation of musculature and other associated soft tissues. This is accomplished by gently placing spinal segments back into anatomic alignment using the body's own muscular system. Employing this procedure improves the flexibility of muscles, fascia, and joints. It also decreases pain, increases circulation, and augments lymphatic drainage of the region being treated.

Misalignment of the lumbar spine and the associated spinal tissues is a known cause of non-specific LBP. MET is an osteopathic manipulative treatment that involves the patient contracting specific muscle groups after being placed in a very precise position against the gentle resistance of the clinician treating the patient.