Claus Manniche

Claus Manniche 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.

Life and career

Claus Manniche was born in Kalundborg, Denmark. He studied medicine at the University of Copenhagen, graduating in 1982 and obtaining his medical license in 1985. After earning a law degree in 1988, he specialized in back pain and rheumatology, becoming a specialist in rheumatology in 1994. In 1998, he was appointed as professor and director of the Spine Center of Southern Denmark.
Professor Manniche has been involved in several influential committees and research groups, including the Danish Rheumatology Society and the Copenhagen Back Research Association. He was recently appointed by the Minister of Health to serve on a specialist committee focused on preventing back problems.
Claus Manniche is a recipient of the Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology's 40th Nordic Anniversary Prize in 1995. Two clinics he developed have also been recognized: the outpatient back clinic at Aarhus County Hospital in Denmark received the Quality Award in 1996, and Aarhus Amt; the Back Center at Fyn received the Danish Chiropractors' Association honorary award in 2008.

Research

Published in The Lancet 1988 one of the first randomized studies demonstrating convincing effects of exercise therapy in nonspecific back pain patients. 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, which is still used in research projects around the world. Has contributed to the discovery of the so-called Modic changes.