Low back pain (LBP) is the single greatest cause of disability worldwide. It’s the second most common reason for doctor visits. Overall, LBP costs society more than $100 billion annually. This includes when factoring in lost wages, reduced productivity, and legal and insurance overhead expenses.
Studies regarding the use of spinal manipulation(SM)—a form of treatment offered by chiropractors for LBP are plentiful. It has led to the strong recommendation that SM should be considered as a FIRST course of care for LBP. The American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society both recommend SM for patients with LBP who don’t improve with self-care.
In 2010, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) reported that SM is an effective treatment option for LBP. It’s EQUALLY effective as medication in reducing LBP and neck pain.
A 2013 study compared SM and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They found that SM was MORE effective than diclofenac, a commonly prescribed NSAID, for the treatment of LBP. Patients in the SM group also reported NO adverse side effects. More importantly, a 2015 study found that NSAID use can actually slow the healing process and even accelerate osteoarthritis and joint deterioration!
Doctors of chiropractic utilize SM as many conditions, including LBP— more than any other healthcare profession including osteopathy, physical therapy, medical doctors, and others. Chiropractors also combine other synergistic forms of care, such as patient-specific exercise training, to help patients learn how to self-manage their LBP, as recurrence is such a common issue. When the recurrence happens, people often revert to taking NSAIDs as the solution to manage the pain. Some people do not like to take medication when they experience an ailment. If you’re looking for a better way to manage your low back pain, consider seeking your local chiropractor today!
