Claus Manniche (born 21 June 1956) is a Danish rheumatologist, Consultant and Professor.His main research interests are clinical databases in back pain and research methodology. He has authored more than 120 journal articles and co-authored several books.[1]
Claus Manniche was born in Kalundborg, Denmark. He studied medicine at the University of Copenhagen, graduating in 1982 and gained his license to practice in 1985. After gaining a law degree in 1988, he focused on the field of back pain and rheumatology,[2] becoming a specialist Doctor in the latter area in 1994. In 1998 Claus Manniche was appointed as Professor and Director of the Spine Center of Southern Denmark.[2]
Professor Manniche has been a part of several influential committees and research groups including the Danish Rheumatology Society, the Copenhagen Back Research Association and was more recently appointed by the Minister of Health as a member of a specialist committee investigating the prevention of back problems.[2]
Claus Manniche has been the recipient of the Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology's 40th Nordic Anniversary Prize in 1995. Two clinics that Professor Manniche developed have also been recognized: the outpatient back clinic at Aarhus County Hospital (Denmark) received the 'Quality Award for the year 1996, Aarhus Amt'; the Back Center at Fyn was a recipient of the Danish Chiropractors' Association honorary award in 2008.[2]
Published in The Lancet 1988[3] one of the first randomized studies demonstrating convincing effects of exercise therapy in nonspecific back pain patients.[2] This paper was groundbreaking regarding active spine rehabilitation worldwide. Developed a method for registration of pain and distinction between different types of pain: Low Back Pain Rating Scale,[4] which is still used in research projects around the world.[4] Has contributed to the discovery of the so-called Modic changes.[5] [6]