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A meta-analysis of studies has found that spinal manipulation can have a modest effect on pain and mobility:
One of the most common reasons people go to the doctor is lower back pain, and one of the most common reasons doctors prescribe powerful, addictive narcotics is lower back pain. Now, new research published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association offers the latest evidence that spinal manipulation can offer a modestly effective alternative.
Researchers analyzed 26 studies involving more than 1,700 patients with lower back pain. The analysis found spinal manipulation can reduce lower back pain as measured by patients on a pain scale, like this one from zero to 10. Spinal manipulation, which is typically done by chiropractors and physical therapists, involves applying pressure and moving joints in the spine.
Patients undergoing spinal manipulation experienced a decline of 1 point in their pain rating, says Dr. Paul Shekelle, an internist with the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Rand Corp. who headed the study. "So if it had been a 7 it would be a 6, or if it had been a 5 it would be a 4," Shekelle says. That's about the same amount of pain relief as from NSAIDs, over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen.
The study also found spinal manipulation modestly improved function. On average, patients reported greater ease and comfort engaging in two day-to-day activities, such as finding they could walk more quickly, were having less difficulty turning over in bed or were sleeping more soundly.
Have you used "alternative" methods for back pain relief? Can I relieve two pain points by combining spinal manipulation with an NSAID? Is this just a way for the VA to reduce costs, or is it aimed at the war on opiates?
(Score: 1) by Scrutinizer on Sunday April 16 2017, @07:29AM (4 children)
Considering that the last time a person I knew experienced "back pain" was effectively paralyzed by pain until dosed with opioid-based painkillers, I don't see any noteworthy benefit for someone with near-crippling "7" pain to endure spinal manipulation and its additional pain, merely to have the same effect as taking over-the-counter ibuprofen. This smacks instead of justification for continuing to treat US citizens as managed cattle, be it for expense or "morality" reasons.
As for spinal manipulation improving bodily functioning, that's better news, particularly when combined with restorative exercices. It's still sadistic to suggest that spinal manipulation be used in place of painkillers, instead of along with them, as the patient desires. How would it otherwise be different from insisting that modern dental patients just white-knuckle through the pain when a dentist's first try at numbing nerves isn't adequate?
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday April 16 2017, @07:32AM (1 child)
Just drop a MOAB on the affected area. Totally relieve pain with death!
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday April 16 2017, @07:43AM
Even if it doesn't stop the pain, you'll be super distracted by all the SHINY.
(Score: 1, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday April 16 2017, @07:59AM (1 child)
Theoretically the manipulation should stop the pinching of the nerves.
The manipulations themselves aren't permanent, you have to either go back regularly or figure out how to maintain the new alignment through exercise and proper movement.
(Score: 3, Informative) by drussell on Sunday April 16 2017, @08:54AM
Theoretically the manipulation should stop the pinching of the nerves.
Uhhh... That depends entirely on why the nerves are irritated to begin with!
In many cases, Chiropractor = "Danger, Will Robinson!!"
(Especially if you have certain types of disc problems... Chiropractic manipulation is contraindicated in many cases!!)