You know chiropractic care is a common treatment for lower back pain, but have you wondered how effective it actually is? The following studies evaluate chiropractic for lower back pain, making it very clear that chiropractic care is a great option for those seeking pain relief and overall improvement in back health.
How Effective is Chiropractic for Low Back Pain?
A study published in Spine magazine evaluated 91 study participants, all of which were between the ages of 18 to 35 and experienced back pain. All of the study participants received standard medical treatment for their back pain, but half of the participants also received chiropractic care.
While both groups of participants improved, researchers determined that:
- Those who received chiropractic are improved faster and showed more significant improvement than those who only received standard medical treatments.
- Of those who received both chiropractic and standard care, 73 percent reported that their pain was completely gone, much better or moderately better. Only 17 percent of the standard medical care group reported equivalent levels of improvement.
- Those who received both chiropractic and standard reported a lower pain score — an average pain score of 3.9 (out of 10). Those who received only standard care reported an average pain score of 6.1.
- Those who received both chiropractic and standard scored better on the Roland-Morris disability scoreboard at both the two-week and four-week check ups. Participants that received chiropractic care had an average score of 8; those who received only standard care had an average score of 12.
The Cost of Low Back Pain
Approximately 80 percent of the population suffers from low back pain at one point or another; for many, low back pain is a chronic problem. When low back pain becomes chronic, it costs our society in both lost wages and lower productivity. Estimates total over $100 billion lost each year due to low back pain.
