Recently the “Annals of Internal Medicine” published a study comparing the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments, medication, and exercise for subacute neck pain. In this study, 272 people were divided into three groups for a 12 week course of treatment. One group received chiropractic adjustments. The second group received medication as prescribed by a medical doctor. The third group was assigned a series of home exercises to complete. After 12 weeks the researchers measured pain levels and functional movement and follow up measurements were also recorded 6 months and 1 year following the end of the treatment. The results of this study found that both chiropractic adjustments and the exercise groups did better than the medication group. However, the chiropractic adjustment group did the best overall and was significantly better than the medication group. Also, the most serious side effects were seen in the medication group, with 60% of patients reporting side effects of some kind – “this included gastrointestinal discomfort and fatigue most commonly. Dry mouth, cognitive disturbances, rash, congestion, and disturbed sleep were also reported.” Therefore the conclusions of this study suggest that chiropractic adjustments are the safest and most effective treatment for subacute neck pain, followed closely by exercise. If you are experiencing neck pain, chiropractic adjustments done by a board certified chiropractor can help you get to the root of the problem. In my own practice, treatment plans typically include adjustments as well as individual stretching and exercise instruction.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Jul 2013 20:53:06 +0000
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