Have you every asked yourself “Is Chiropractic The Best Choice For Lower Back Pain?”. If so, you wouldn’t be alone because many of our first time patients ask this same question as well. In this article we will discuss the topic and share what researchers have found, proving that Chiropractic adjustments are the most effective choice for lower back pain.
Studies by Medical Journals
Over the last few years there have been many studies published in Medical journals that demonstrate chiropractic is the best option for those that suffer from acute or chronic low back pain.
In April of 2013, The American Medical Association printed an article in its journal (JAMA) stating that chiropractic and other conservative treatments be tried before other invasive measures are taken. While those of you reading this may think that sounds like common sense…and it is…the good news here is that the American Medical Association is finally admitting to what we as chiropractors have been saying for years! They realize that chiropractic is a cost effective, efficient and safe way of helping those who are suffering from lower back pain.
Another study was published in the Spine journal that revealed patients who first visit a medical doctor for treatment of their low back pain were more likely to have spinal surgery than those who visited a chiropractor first. Nearly 43% of medical patients had surgery compared to just 1.5% of chiropractic patients. That means medical patients were 28 times more likely to have surgery.
Managing Pain: Chiropractic Adjustment vs Medication
Spine also published a research study in 2013 that compared spinal adjustments to a prescription medication called diclofenac in managing pain in patients with low back pain. This particular study found while both the active treatment groups improved, patients receiving spinal adjustments were significantly better off than patients taking diclofenac. They experienced greater improvements in physical disability, function, time off work, and rescue medication.
This led researchers to conclude that “spinal manipulation was significantly better than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac and clinically superior to placebo.”
These findings add to the growing body of research showing that chiropractic is more effective than drugs for back pain and sciatica. And it’s easy to see why. While drugs temporarily dull the pain, they do little to treat the root of the problem. Instead, chiropractic can relieve symptoms while addressing the underlying cause of pain.
The best part about these studies is that they are being performed by medical doctors, NOT chiropractors! Even the medical community is now recognizing how amazing chiropractic is and how effective it is in helping people to change their lives!
Your Turn
Have you experienced both sides, receiving chiropractic adjustments versus taking pain medication? If so, please tell us your experience by leaving a comment below!
References:
- Goodman D, Burke A, Livingston E. Low back pain. JAMA Patient Page April 24, 2013; 309(16): 1738. doi:10.1001/jama.2013.3046.
- Keeney BJ, et al. Early predictors of lumbar spine surgery after occupational back injury: results from a prospective study of works in Washington state. Spine 2012; doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e3182814ed5.
- von Heymann, et al. Spinal high-velocity low amplitude manipulation in acute nonspecific low back pain: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial in comparison with diclofenac and placebo. Spine 2013; 38 (7): 540-48. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e318275d09c
