Many people wonder how the effectiveness of the common forms of treatment for neck and back pain are assessed.  Here is a look at three studies that compared these three popular forms of care for the chronic spinal pain to determine the short-term and more importantly, the LONG-TERM benefits of chiropractic treatment, and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, like Advil).

The first published study included a group of 77 patients complaining of chronic spinal pain (neck, mid-back, or low-back pain). These patients were separated into one of three treatment groups and received NSAIDs, or chiropractic manipulation. Patients received care for four weeks with outcome measures (questionnaires) used to assess changes in pain and disability. After a 30-day time frame, only patients who received chiropractic manipulation reached a level of statistically significant improvement, supporting that chiropractic care offered the best short-term benefits for those with chronic back/neck pain.

The second study included 115 patients, again random, to receive either one of the same three treatments, but this time the outcome data were gathered two, five, and nine weeks after the start of treatment. Again, those who received chiropractic manipulation experienced the best overall improvement at nine weeks.

The third study involved follow-up from the same second study patient group two years later. Once again, participants completed outcome assessments that measured pain and disability. This time, the results showed that only patients in the chiropractic manipulation group maintained long-term improvements in pain and disability.

Interestingly, many multi-disciplinary physician groups now incorporate chiropractic care as part of their “team” approach, which also offers pain management in the form of medications, injections, PT, and when necessary, surgery. They have seen the benefits of spinal manipulation for neck pain and often seek out chiropractic because it’s safe, beneficial, and cost-effective.

For more about the benefits of chiropractic treatment, call Mckim Chiropractic today at one of our three convenient chiropractic office locations to schedule an examination and consultation. Our licensed and certified staff is committed to helping the residents of Nampa, ID find relief from pain!