The care each patient receives in our North Dallas chiropractor clinic is tailored to their unique situation. However, doctors often use clinical treatment guidelines as a foundation to help correctly diagnose and suggest a course of treatment.
A panel of experts reviews the current scientific literature for quality evidence of treatments and their associated benefits and risks. There are recommendations about which treatment options should be the first approach. Published guidelines often note therapies that appear to be promising but don’t have enough evidence to draw a firm conclusion.
Spinal Manipulation
For low back pain, clinical guidelines have included chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy. Currently, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) embraces two sets of guidelines: the American College of Physicians (ACP) Guidelines (2017) and the Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) (2016). Both offer pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical recommendations. There is acute (less than six weeks), subacute (six to twelve weeks), and chronic (over twelve weeks) low back pain.
Other Non-Pharmacological Approaches
Spinal manipulation is the front-line treatment for all stages of low back pain. Guidelines also note there is evidence for other non-pharmacological therapies when incorporated into a multi-modal treatment approach. These include general exercise, rehabilitation exercise, acupuncture, motor control exercise, low-level laser therapy, tai chi, yoga, progressive relaxation, electromyography biofeedback, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Barriers to Conservative Care
The CPG also notes red flags for more serious conditions that can present as back pain. These include cancer, infection, fracture, and spinal cord injuries. Chiropractors will refer these patients to other healthcare providers. The guidelines also list yellow flags that may act as a barrier to recovery. These include depression, anxiety, and poor coping skills. Yellow flags are generally co-managed with other healthcare professionals.
Guidelines are frequently updated and revised as new data on treatment options becomes available.
For the best evidence-based care for low back pain schedule an appointment with Dr. Woodward.
