From the Guidelines
Chiropractic care is a moderately effective treatment for low back pain, offering benefits such as reduced pain and improved function, particularly when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach. The benefits of chiropractic care include relief from back pain, neck pain, and headaches, as well as improved range of motion and flexibility. Chiropractors often focus on whole-body wellness, providing advice on exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle modifications to support overall health. According to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine 1, spinal manipulation, a key component of chiropractic care, has been shown to be moderately superior to sham manipulation for chronic low back pain. Another study published in the same journal 1 found that spinal manipulation was slightly superior to usual care for pain and disability in patients with subacute or chronic low back pain.
The treatment works by realigning the spine and joints, which may reduce nerve irritation and improve the body's natural healing processes. Some patients also experience improved posture and reduced stress levels. However, results vary between individuals, and chiropractic care is generally most effective when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach that may include other therapies. Regular sessions are typically recommended for optimal results, with treatment plans tailored to each patient's specific needs and conditions. It is essential to note that the evidence is insufficient to conclude that benefits of manipulation vary according to the profession of the manipulator or according to presence or absence of radiating pain 1.
Key benefits of chiropractic care include:
- Relief from back pain, neck pain, and headaches
- Improved range of motion and flexibility
- Reduced reliance on pain medications
- Improved posture and reduced stress levels
- Whole-body wellness approach, including advice on exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle modifications.
Overall, chiropractic care can be a valuable addition to a comprehensive treatment plan for individuals experiencing musculoskeletal issues, particularly low back pain.
From the Research
Benefits of Chiropractic Care
- Chiropractic care provides a safe and effective option for the management of spine pain, including back and neck pain 2
- Spinal manipulation inhibits back and neck pain partly through spinal segmental mechanisms and potentially through peripheral mechanisms regulating inflammatory responses 2
- Chiropractic care can improve functional outcomes, such as reducing disability and improving quality of life, for patients with chronic low back pain and neck pain 3, 4
- Patients who receive chiropractic care may experience significant improvements in pain and function, even after other treatments have failed 4
- Chiropractic care may be a cost-effective option for patients with chronic pain, as it does not increase costs and provides an additional viable option for patients who prefer this type of care 5
Patient Characteristics and Outcomes
- Patients who seek chiropractic care for chronic low back and neck pain are often highly educated, non-Hispanic, white females with at least partial insurance coverage for chiropractic care 6
- These patients often report high satisfaction with their care and few use narcotics, with avoiding surgery being the most important reason they choose chiropractic care 6
- Chiropractic patients with chronic low back and neck pain may experience improvements in pain and function over time, with some studies showing significant improvements after 3-6 months of treatment 3, 5
Mechanisms of Chiropractic Care
- The mechanisms of chiropractic care are not fully understood, but may involve spinal segmental mechanisms, peripheral mechanisms regulating inflammatory responses, and other non-specific effects 2
- Further research is needed to clarify the contribution of specific and non-specific effects to pain relief by spinal manipulative therapy 2