A few trials are somewhat ambiguous about its precise benefits (compared to traditional treatment), but most point to a clear benefit of chiro as a complementary (or replacement) treatment for low back pain. One comparative study found 94% of chiropractic patients reported a 30% reduction in pain compared to only 54% of medical patients. Another trial (at three military hospitals) found the addition of chiropractic to usual low back pain treatment methods improved the overall effectiveness.
I also think the benefits of a non-drug, non-invasive form of pain reduction are notable. One study found patients who received chiro care had 90% lower odds of using opioids. Another study found only 1.5% of workers with back injuries had surgery after visiting a chiropractor, compared to 42.7% of those who first visited a surgeon.
And since it is dealing mostly with pain, which is a subjective measure, I think patient satisfaction surveys are pretty important to consider when evaluating the clinical efficacy. In this aspect, chiro does very well. 77% of users consider it very effective, 95% consider it effective, and 89% recommend it to family and friends.
Hope this helps. The ACA and Gallup-Palmer reports on chiropractic have some good sources supporting the efficacy as well.
Nice write up - but can you expand on the clinical efficacy of Chiro? What does the evidence say?
Of course, thanks for reading.
A few trials are somewhat ambiguous about its precise benefits (compared to traditional treatment), but most point to a clear benefit of chiro as a complementary (or replacement) treatment for low back pain. One comparative study found 94% of chiropractic patients reported a 30% reduction in pain compared to only 54% of medical patients. Another trial (at three military hospitals) found the addition of chiropractic to usual low back pain treatment methods improved the overall effectiveness.
I also think the benefits of a non-drug, non-invasive form of pain reduction are notable. One study found patients who received chiro care had 90% lower odds of using opioids. Another study found only 1.5% of workers with back injuries had surgery after visiting a chiropractor, compared to 42.7% of those who first visited a surgeon.
And since it is dealing mostly with pain, which is a subjective measure, I think patient satisfaction surveys are pretty important to consider when evaluating the clinical efficacy. In this aspect, chiro does very well. 77% of users consider it very effective, 95% consider it effective, and 89% recommend it to family and friends.
Hope this helps. The ACA and Gallup-Palmer reports on chiropractic have some good sources supporting the efficacy as well.