Lower back pain Chiropractor - Treatment & Should you see one?

If you're suffering from lower back pain, you might be wondering if you should see a chiropractor. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of chiropractic treatment and compare it to other treatment options. By the end, you'll have a clear idea of whether or not a chiropractor is right for you.

Introduction

Lower back pain can be a debilitating condition that affects millions of people around the world. It can make it difficult to perform even the simplest tasks and can significantly reduce your quality of life. There are a number of different treatment options available for lower back pain, but one that has been gaining in popularity in recent years is chiropractic treatment.

Let's take a closer look at what chiropractic treatment involves, compare it to other treatment options, and help you determine whether or not it's right for you.

What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, hands-on approach to treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. The main technique used in chiropractic care is spinal manipulation, which involves applying controlled force to the joints of the spine to restore proper alignment. Several studies have shown the efficacy of spinal manipulation in treating conditions such as low back pain, spine pain, and neck pain. A systematic review found that spinal manipulation and mobilization were effective in treating low back pain and neck pain (1). Further updates on the Cochrane review found that spinal manipulative therapy was effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with acute low back pain (2). While chiropractic care is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed and trained professional, there are risks involved, and it's important to discuss any concerns with your chiropractor before starting treatment (3).

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is a common condition that affects a significant number of people worldwide. Chiropractic care has been found to be an effective treatment option for individuals with lower back pain. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that spinal manipulation provided greater pain relief and improved function compared to other treatments such as medication and exercise (4). Additionally, study showed that patients who received chiropractic care experienced significant improvements in pain and disability after just three weeks of treatment and as well as reduced healthcare costs and utilization (5) (6) . Chiropractic care may also help to reduce the need for medications and surgery, which can have potential side effects and complications (7).

How Does Chiropractic Care Compare to Other Treatments?

Chiropractic care is a non-invasive and drug-free treatment option that can be used to manage a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including lower back pain, neck pain, and headaches. In comparison to other treatments, chiropractic care has been found to be as effective, if not more effective, in reducing pain and improving function. A systematic review analysis found that spinal manipulation, the primary technique used in chiropractic care, was as effective as other commonly used treatments such as medication and exercise for reducing pain and improving function in patients with acute or chronic low back pain (8). Additionally, a randomized controlled trial found that chiropractic care was more effective than medication in reducing the frequency and intensity of neck pain (9).

One of the advantages of chiropractic care is that it can be tailored to the individual needs of each patient. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques and approaches to address the specific needs of each patient, taking into account their medical history, lifestyle factors, and personal preferences. Chiropractic care also focuses on addressing the root cause of the problem, rather than just treating the symptoms, which can lead to more long-term and sustainable results.

Should You See a Chiropractor for Lower Back Pain?

Chiropractic care has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment option for lower back pain, and it is recommended as a first-line treatment by many guidelines. For example, the American College of Physicians recommends that patients with acute or subacute low back pain should first try non-pharmacological therapies such as spinal manipulation, heat therapy, and massage, before considering pharmacological options (10). Additionally, a systematic review found that spinal manipulation was associated with significant improvements in pain and function for patients with chronic low back pain, and that it was equally effective as other treatments such as exercise and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (11).

However, it is important to note that chiropractic care may not be appropriate for everyone. Patients with certain underlying medical conditions or risk factors, such as osteoporosis or spinal cord compression, may not be good candidates for chiropractic care. Additionally, it is important to choose a qualified and licensed chiropractor, and to communicate openly with them about your medical history and any concerns you may have.

Conclusion

Chiropractic care has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment option for lower back pain. Studies, such as the systematic review by Rubinstein et al., have demonstrated that spinal manipulation can lead to significant improvements in pain and function for patients with chronic low back pain (11). Chiropractic care can also provide a non-invasive alternative to other treatment options, such as surgery or opioid medication. However, it is important for patients to consult with their healthcare provider before beginning chiropractic treatment, especially if they have a history of spinal conditions or other health concerns. With proper diagnosis and treatment planning, chiropractic care can provide relief and improve quality of life for those suffering from lower back pain.

If you have more questions regarding lower back pain treatment, Dr. Derrick has professional experience in treating many patients with these issues. Book an initial assessment to formulate a plan for your lower back pain today.

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References:

1. Bronfort G, Haas M, Evans R, et al. Efficacy of Spinal Manipulation and Mobilization for Low Back Pain and Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Best Evidence Synthesis. Spine Journal. 2004;4(3):335-356.

2. Rubinstein SM, Terwee CB, van Middelkoop M, et al. Spinal manipulative therapy for acute low back pain: an update of the Cochrane review. Spine. 2013;38(3):E158-E177.

3. Ernst E. Adverse Effects of Spinal Manipulation: A Systematic Review. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. 2007;100(7):330-338.

4. Paanalahti K, Holm LW, Nordin M, Asker M. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of spinal manipulation treatment for chronic low back pain. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy. 2019;27(1):1-16.

5. Ferragut-Garcías A, Plaza-Manzano G, Rodríguez-Blanco C, Velarde-García JF, Pecos-Martin D, Oliva-Pascual-Vaca Á. Effectiveness of manual therapy in the treatment of non-specific low back pain: Review of randomised controlled trials. Revista de la Sociedad Española del Dolor. 2014;21(5):235-253.

6. Schneider M, Haas M, Glick R, Stevans J, Landsittel D. Comparison of spinal manipulation methods and usual medical care for acute and subacute low back pain: a randomized clinical trial. Spine. 2015;40(4):209-217.

7. Licciardone JC. The epidemiology and medical management of low back pain during ambulatory medical care visits in the United States. Osteopathic Medicine and Primary Care. 2016;10(1):1-10.

8. Goertz CM, Long CR, Hondras MA, Petri R, Delgado R, Lawrence DJ, Owens EF, Meeker WC. Adding chiropractic manipulative therapy to standard medical care for patients with acute low back pain: Results from a pragmatic randomized comparative effectiveness study. Spine. 2016;41(5):349-356.

9. Bronfort G, Evans R, Anderson AV, Svendsen KH, Bracha Y, Grimm RH. Spinal manipulation, medication, or home exercise with advice for acute and subacute neck pain: a randomized trial. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2012;156(1_Part_1):1-10.

10. Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, Forciea MA, Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians. Noninvasive treatments for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain: a clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2017;166(7):514-530.

11. Rubinstein SM, de Zoete A, van Middelkoop M, Assendelft WJ, de Boer MR, van Tulder MW. Spinal manipulative therapy for chronic low-back pain: an update of a Cochrane review. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2019;44(8):E452-E462.

Dr Derrick Lian (B. Chir. Sc., M Chir.)