| Chiropractic treatment: How spinal manipulation can reduce back pain Mayo Clinic Report 2/28/2003 Until the mid-1970s, many people considered chiropractic care unconventional therapy. But people's perceptions and use of chiropractic treatments have evolved. A 1997 survey tallied about 190 million office visits to chiropractors annually, illustrating how much more accepted this treatment option has become. Although chiropractors don't prescribe drugs or perform surgery, their practice does include traditional medical practices, such as physical, neurological and orthopedic examinations. And many of their services are covered by Medicare and private insurance Back pain is the most common reason people see a chiropractor. If you choose to seek relief through chiropractic care, here's some useful background on the therapy. What is it? Chiropractic treatment is based on the philosophy that restricted movement in the spine may lead to reduced function and pain. Spinal adjustment (manipulation) is one form of therapy chiropractors use to treat restricted spinal mobility. The goal is to restore spinal movement and, as a result, improve function and decrease pain. Chiropractors manipulate the spine from different positions using varying degrees of force. Manipulation doesn't need to be forceful to be effective. Chiropractors may also use massage and stretching to relax muscles that are shortened or in spasm. In 1994, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, formerly the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, rated spinal manipulation as an effective treatment for acute back pain. However, most acute forms of low back pain improve within 2 to 4 weeks. If you’re considering chiropractic care, use these tips to get the most from chiropractic treatment: Talk to your doctor about the most appropriate specialist for your type of problem. In addition to chiropractors, many osteopathic doctors and some physical therapists have training in spinal manipulation. Because manipulation has risks, always use properly trained and licensed practitioners. If you choose chiropractic care, find someone who attended a school accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education. As with other medical specialists, see only chiropractors who are willing to work with the other members of your health care team. Avoid chiropractors who view spinal manipulation as a cure-all for diseases such as diabetes and cancer. No evidence supports this idea. |
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