Chiropractic care is a form of healthcare that emphasises the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine.
Its practitioners, known as chiropractors, utilise manual therapy, including spinal manipulation and adjustment, to improve function, reduce pain, and encourage the body's natural healing processes.
Let’s discuss chiropractic care and a major study supporting it’s effectiveness of physical treatments for back pain in primary care.
First, what is chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, hands-on healthcare discipline that focuses on the musculoskeletal system, primarily the spine. Chiropractors use manual adjustment techniques to correct spinal misalignments, with the aim of restoring proper movement and function.
This care is often sought for back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other conditions related to the spine. Through adjustments, chiropractors aim to reduce pain, improve mobility, and support the body's natural ability to heal itself. You can read more about what to expect from your local chiropractic clinic here.
What is the chiropractic adjustment?
Chiropractic adjustments involve the chiropractor positioning the patient to target specific joints, primarily in the spine. The chiropractor then applies a quick, controlled force with their hands or an instrument to realign the joints, aiming to improve function and reduce pain. This process can lead to a release of gas (joint cavitation), often accompanied by a popping sound.
Support for Chiropractic
The UK BEAM trial, a large randomised study, evaluated the effectiveness of exercise, spinal manipulation, and their combination versus general medical care for back pain in primary care settings.
It involved 1,334 patients across the UK.
Findings showed all treatments improved outcomes over time, with exercise and manipulation both providing benefits.
Specifically, manipulation followed by exercise offered the most improvement at three months.
The UK BEAM trial concluded that both exercise and spinal manipulation significantly improve outcomes for patients with back pain when added to standard care in general practice. Specifically, manipulation followed by exercise offered the most substantial improvement at three months. The study highlights the effectiveness of incorporating physical treatments into care plans for back pain relief.
This study underscores the value of integrating physical treatments into care for back pain relief. For more detailed insights, you can visit the BMJ website.
Reference:
UK BEAM Trial Team (2004). United Kingdom back pain exercise and manipulation (UK BEAM) randomised trial: effectiveness of physical treatments for back pain in primary care. BMJ, 329(7479), 1377. DOI: 10.1136/bmj.38282.669225.AE.
Key Points
Chiropractic care adopts a comprehensive approach to wellness, emphasising the body’s structural integrity and functionality. My aim as a chiropractor extends beyond merely relieving pain to fostering a proactive, preventative stance on health. I encourage individuals experiencing musculoskeletal discomfort to discover the transformative impact of chiropractic treatments on their overall well-being.
Author: Dr. Paul Lee (Chiropractor) is a distinguished Chiropractor with a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of chiropractic care. Dr. Paul runs Aurum Health Care, a top-rated Sydney chiropractic clinic. He completed his Master in Chiropractic at Macquarie University, Sydney, in 2009 and has since been a prominent figure in Sydney’s North Shore and Hills District, focussing on fast pain relief techniques for patients suffering from lower back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions.