Military Recognizes Chiropractic for Back Pain

Patients with acute low back pain receiving a combination of chiropractic manipulative therapy and standard medical care experienced a statistically and clinically significant reduction in their back pain and improved physical functioning when compared to those receiving standard medical care alone, reports an article in the April 15 issue of Spine (CLICK HERE to access the online version).

The study followed 91 active-duty military personnel between the ages of 18 and 35 years old.

The study found:

• Disability scores were significantly improved in the standard medical care plus chiropractic manipulative therapy group than in the standard medical care only group at both week two and week four of the study.
• Pain Rating scores were significantly improved in the group that received chiropractic manipulative therapy when compared to standard medical care alone at both week two and week four.
• Overall improvement rating by participants as "pain completely gone, much better or moderately better", was 17 percent in the standard medical care only group compared to 73 percent of respondents when chiropractic manipulative therapy was included as part of their care.

"It is critical that we explore drug-less approaches to reduce pain," said Wayne B. Jonas, M.D., President and CEO of Samueli Institute. "Chiropractic manipulation is an important option to consider for musculoskeletal disorders, which is the most prevalent pain complaint in the military."

So even if your medical doctor is caring for your low back complaint, explore chiropractic.  You can vastly improve your odds and speed of recovery.  And maybe the best part.....no medication side effects.

For your better health,

Dr. Heller