Table 1.

Example search strategy

Search terms and strategy used for MEDLINE
1. randomized controlled trial.pt.	16. coccydynia.ti,ab.
2. controlled clinical trial.pt.	17. sciatica.ti,ab.
3. randomized.ab.	18. sciatic neuropathy
4. placebo.ab,ti.	19. spondylosis.ti,ab.
5. randomly.ti.ab.	20. lumbago.ti,ab.
6. trial.ab,ti.	21. low back pain.ti,ab.
7. groups.ab,ti.	22. lumbopelvic pain.ti,ab.
8. or/1-7	23. or/11-22
9. (animals not (humans and animals)).sh.	24. 10 and 23
10. 8 not 9	25. osteopathic medicine.mh.
11. dorsalgia.ti,ab.	26. manipulation, osteopathic.mh
12. back Pain. ti,ab	27. OMT.ti,ab.
13. backache.ti,ab.	28. or/25-27
14. (lumbar adj pain).ti,ab.	29. 24 and 28
15. coccyx.ti,ab.

Abbreviations: mh Major heading, pt Publication type, ti,ab Title and Abstract.