The profession of chiropractic has grown leaps and bounds in recent years but still many remain skeptical of chiropractic's effectiveness. The research is out and time again chiropractic has been shown to be beneficial for a multitude of dysfunctions. Yet still some skeptics remain because unlike the traditional medical approach, chiropractic utilization is still a small subset of the population.
In recent years, we have seen the explosion of chronic pain, diseases of lifestyle, and corruption of well intended medicines designed to treat them. When approaching any dysfunction of the body, the process should always start with the smallest intervention and progress if necessary. That's right, at first do nothing. Wait. See if the issue resolves on it's own. The body has an amazing healing ability and can self correct most issues. If your still having the same issue progress.
Enter chiropractic. I often advise this where we start and hopefully end. Correcting the joints of the spine, toning down soft tissue, and reinforcing motor patterns through exercise is a drug-free, non-surgical, and first line approach. A vast majority of patients will resolve their issue with this type of care and not need to progress to more invasive treatments. Again, this where we start.
Chiropractic works. Chiropractic is based on the idea that body heals. We know this truth from the first time we scrape our knee.
Chiropractic and Low Back Pain
An excerpt from a study in the British Medical Journal, Low back pain of mechanical origin: randomised comparison of chiropractic and hospital outpatient treatment.
RESULTS--Chiropractic treatment was more effective than hospital outpatient management, mainly for patients with chronic or severe back pain. A benefit of about 7% points on the Oswestry scale was seen at two years. The benefit of chiropractic treatment became more evident throughout the follow up period. Secondary outcome measures also showed that chiropractic was more beneficial. CONCLUSIONS--For patients with low back pain in whom manipulation is not contraindicated chiropractic almost certainly confers worthwhile, long term benefit in comparison with hospital outpatient management. The benefit is seen mainly in those with chronic or severe pain. Introducing chiropractic into NHS practice should be considered.
Whether you're looking to solve low back pain or to increase everyday function, chiropractic is effective.
Dr. David Satterfield, Chiropractor
Comments