Chiropractic Research

An investigation in 2004 showed that chiropractic adjustments help to improve the symmetry of the pelvis and the balance of weight between the two feet. These changes in spinal mechanics were related to an improvement in the pain experienced by the patients in the study.

In 2004 an investigation looked at the response of patients with neck pain and headaches, another frequently-seen condition in a chiropractic clinic. It showed that the patients experienced a reduction of their symptoms, but that the effect they experienced was better if they attended for treatment 3 or even 4 times per week, as opposed to twice or once per week.

The 4th publication of 'The Chiropractic Report' in 2004 presented a body of evidence for the chiropractic management of lumbar disc herniation (bulging of the discs in the low back, often referred to as slipped discs). It concluded that the efficacy of chiropractic manipulation in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation "has been established."

A study in 1996 looked at a different area of benefit seen by chiropractic patients. It suggests a link between mid-back pain and indigestion, showing that patients with indigestion and heartburn could see improvements through chiropractic care.

In 1994, it was shown that a group of patients with duodenal (intestinal) ulcers being treated with chiropractic adjustments recovered on average 10 days earlier than those receiving standard medical care. Their recovery was confirmed using endoscopy.

A similar principle to the ulcer study was investigated with regard to the health changes that occur following whiplash injuries of the neck. It suggests that prolonged conditions due to whiplash injury can lead to detrimental changes in the immune and hormonal systems.  Treatment of these injuries with chiropractic can be extremely effective.

A study in 2004 showed that chiropractic care was more effective than muscle relaxant medication for the treatment of sub-acute low back pain (defined as between 2-6 weeks of duration).

In a study in 2004 the results of chiropractic care were compared to medical care for back pain. The study concludes that chiropractic care was superior to primary medical care. It reports that the chiropractic patients achieved better short and long-term results. It also states that a significant advantage was seen for chiropractic care in those patients who experienced pain below the knee (often indicating some kind of trapped nerve, sciatica or "slipped disc"). The results of the study also raise the issue of long-term prevention, as 50% or more of the patients experienced 50 or more days of pain in the third year. This highlights the importance of looking after your spine once your pain is under control, very much like brushing your teeth to avoid tooth decay!