The June 3 study in the Annals of Internal Medicine proves what the chiropractic profession has known for decades--that spinal manipulation, or chiropractic adjustment, is an effective alternative to drugs and surgery for back pain, one of the most pervasive conditions afflicting Americans today.
“Our society has become more and more health-conscious in recent years. In keeping with that trend, people are making better food choices, exercising more, and beginning to question the number of potentially harmful drugs they might be taking,” said Daryl D. Wills, DC, President of the American Chiropractic Association. “This study indicates to me that consumers can avoid taking drugs for back pain in favor of a safer form of care, without sacrificing any of the benefit. Nowhere does the study indicate that analgesics or any other treatment is more effective than chiropractic care.”
Because of the increased attention back pain has attracted in recent years, medical doctors have been referring patients to doctors of chiropractic more than ever before. For years, doctors of chiropractic have advised their patients on prevention of back pain through exercise, proper ergonomics and other active solutions.
According to Dr. Wills, however, the study is not without limitations. “A problem with this study is its very narrow evaluation of the available research. For example, it does not mention the Canadian Manga Reports which found that chiropractic care is more effective, safer and less costly than medical care and that many medical treatments for low back pain are untested, questionable or harmful in nature. The study also failed to address the federal government’s guidelines on low back problems which found that spinal manipulation was the only treatment that can relieve symptoms, increase function and hasten recovery.”
Journal
Annals of Internal Medicine