New Study Provides Further Support Of The Effectiveness Of Chiropractic For The Treatment Of Back Pain

A recent study conducted by the Medical Research Council (MRC) revealed that Chiropractic combined with an exercise regimen is an effective treatment for back pain.

1,300 patients across the UK participated in the study.  Each participant had previously sought treatment from a general practitioner, which provided no relief.

Participants were divided into three groups: a physical exercise program, a Chiropractic program or a combination of Chiropractic care followed by an exercise regimen.  Results of the study, published in the British Medical Journal, showed that the greatest reduction of pain and greatest increase in back function was experienced by patients who received the combination treatment of Chiropractic and exercise.  Researchers noted that this treatment protocol provided a "Significant relief of symptoms and improvements in general health."

The MRC, based in the UK, promotes medical and related scientific research to improve health and the quality of life among the general public.  The Council is funded by the country’s taxpayers and is at liberty to select the type of research it supports.  This study reinforces the effectiveness of Chiropractic care.

A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that Chiropractic was more effective than medical care for treating chronic low back pain. Another study in the journal Spine found that Chiropractic was better than medical treatment for the relief of chronic pain.

SOURCE: American Chiropractic Association, press release, November 29, 2004.