Chiropractic medicine is a conservative health care discipline that emphases the inherent recuperation power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery. Paramount to the practice is chiropractic manipulative technique which uses hands to adjust joints of the spine and extremities where restrictions in movement are found, improving mobility and relieving pain.

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Unique Perspective in American Healthcare

Chiropractic:

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+  addresses the whole body and focuses on the body's ability to heal.

+  is concerned with bio-mechanics, structure and function of the spine, and its effects on the musculoskeletal and neurological systems.

+  is focused on the treatment and prevention of disease and restoration of health.

+  is centered on treating the “cause” of neuromusculoskeletal problems, not just covering the symptoms.

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The strength of chiropractic medicine is in the training of the physician and utilization of a wide range of therapies. Chiropractic manipulative technique can be used to increase the range of motion at specific areas; to reduce pain; to reset the neurologic system (muscle spindles); and to reduce muscle spasm.

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Study after study has confirmed the success of chiropractic techniques for many types of spine related conditions. In recent years, numerous independent research and government agencies have conducted studies which focus on the efficacy, appropriateness, cost-effectiveness and safety of chiropractic treatment. Several of these important studies are listed below.

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Research

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A randomized, controlled, and blind observer study evaluated whether cervical adjustment alone had any effect on cervicogenic headache. Of the 53 subjects studied, 28 received cervical manipulation twice a week for 3 weeks. 25 received low level laser and deep tissue massage. Results showed a 69% reduction in headache hours per day in the manipulation group with a 36% decrease in both use of analgesics and headache intensity. (JMPT, June 1997)

 

A Journal of Manipulative Physiologic Therapeutics  article  compared the effectiveness of spinal manipulation and the drug amytriptyline for chronic tension-type headache. The results showed spinal manipulation to be "effective in tension headache treatment" and after 4 week follow-up there was “sustained therapeutic benefit.” The patients taking amytriptyline reverted to baseline values at the 4 week follow-up. (JMPT, May 1996).

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A 1995 study evaluated nasal specific technique with other chiropractic interventions in the management of chronic head pain. The conclusion was that these techniques were useful in treating chronic sinus inflammation and pain. (JMPT, Jan. 1995)

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A 2004 study assessed whether manipulation, or mobilization, relieved pain or improved functional disability in mechanical neck disorders with or without headache. The study concluded that there was “strong evidence” that manipulation with exercise was a beneficial treatment. (Spine, 2004)

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A 2002 case study of a patient with TMJ disorder and atlas subluxation concluded that the patients symptoms "improved and eventually resolved after 9 visits of chiropractic treatment.” (JMPT, Jan. 2002)

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Cervical spinal manipulation was associated with significant improvement in headache outcomes in two trials involving patients with neck pain and/or neck dysfunction and headache. There was immediate improvement in headache severity when used to treat episodes of cervicogenic headache when compared with an attention-placebo control. (Duke University Evidence-based Practice Center (EPC))

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A 1996 study published in the journal "Injury" concluded that chiropractic treatment was able to help relieve pain in 93% of patients with chronic whiplash injuries.  (Injury, 1996;27:643-645)

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In 1994 a study published by the US Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) and the US Department of Health and Human Services endorsed spinal manipulation for acute low back pain in adults in its Clinical Practice Guideline #14. An independent multidisciplinary panel of private-sector clinicians and other experts convened and developed specific statements on appropriate health care of acute low back problems in adults. One statement cited, that relief of discomfort (low back pain) can be accomplished most safely with spinal manipulation, and/or non-prescriptive medication.

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The 1993 Manga study, published in Canada, investigated the cost effectiveness of chiropractic care. The report supported chiropractic care as a safe, efficient care and stated it would save hundreds of millions of dollars annually with regard to work disability payments and direct health care costs when compared to conventional medical treatment.

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A June 1993 Stano cost comparison study, reported in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiologic Therapeutics, involved 395,641 patients with neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Results over a two-year period showed that patients who received chiropractic care incurred significantly lower health care costs than patients treated solely by medical or osteopathic physicians.

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A 1991 Gallup Pole (demographic poll) revealed that 90% of chiropractic patients felt their treatment was effective; more than 80% were satisfied with that treatment; and nearly 75% felt most of their expectations had been met during their chiropractic visits.

To find out more about chiropractic visit www.acatoday.com

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