How Does a Chiropractic Adjustment Work? - by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

     Chiropractic adjustments are considered one of the most safe and effective health care treatment options available today. Research strongly supports the use of adjustments for low back pain, headaches, neck pain, and variety of other spinal conditions. Emerging research also has shown chiropractic adjustments may be helpful for non-musculoskeletal conditions. So, what are the underlying effects?

     Since the first chiropractic adjustment was given over 100 years ago there has been speculation regarding the mechanism of effects. Simply put; what is happening when an adjustment is given? In 2011, SPINE journal released an article which began to explore this question. They found that, "a spinal manipulative therapy force has been shown to stimulate peripheral afferents, altering central nervous system input, and enhancing motoneuron excitability." Essentially, when we give a chiropractic adjustment, we stimulate the peripheral nervous system which then stimulates the central nervous system. Our nervous system is the conduit for control of our entire body and is also responsible for our perception of pain. Chiropractic adjustments have the ability to effect our central nervous system which can result decreased pain.

     Decreased pain is great, but there must be more to an adjustment than simply decreasing pain, right? Let's take a look at another finding from their study. "We found a significant relationship between immediate post-SMT stiffness decrease and clinical outcome. This finding may suggest a relationship between stiffness change and outcome for thrust SMT that is not present if non-thrust mobilization techniques are employed." This finding is very interesting for a few different reasons. First, the researchers believe that adjustments decrease the stiffness of the spine (increasing free motion and range of motion). This has a very positive effect on our overall treatment outcome. They also found that mobilization (slow stretching motions) did not create this response; so it is exclusive to an adjustment with a thrust component.

     This study found that at least part of the positive effects of the chiropractic adjustment is by stimulating the nervous system and decreasing spinal stiffness. Continued research will provide us with additional information regarding the multitude of other ways in which the chiropractic adjustment "works". As we learn more chiropractors will continually be able to refine their techniques and improve upon their already fantastic results!

Preliminary Investigation of the Mechanisms Underlying the Effects of Manipulation. SPINE. 2011

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Chiropractic Can Help Reduce Opioid Use - by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

     Research recently published in the Journal of Internal Medicine found that interdisciplinary care of patients in a pain management program reduced the necessity and prescription of opioid mediations.  Opioid medication prescriptions have skyrocketed over the last decade.  This has occurred in spite of the evidence, and best practice guidelines, which caution against the prescription of opioid medications (especially when prescribed for musculoskeletal conditions).  Studies show that opioid medications result in the death of thousands of individuals per year.

    The VA Hospital system outlined a program where interdisciplinary care was used in an attempt to divert patients from the use, and doctors from the prescription, of opioids. Over the course of four years this study found a decrease in the number of patients who were prescribed opioid medications when offered the option for interdisciplinary care.  Physical therapy, and chiropractic care, and topical analgesics were the foundational components of the alternative, interdisciplinary model.   

    The inclusion of chiropractic care as an evidence-based choice in the pain management of our nations veterans is a large step forward for our profession.  Additionally, studies like this continue to build the depth and breadth of the research which supports and encourages the use of chiropractic care. 

See the study on PUBMED here.

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-The Evidence Based Chiropractor has assisted hundreds of chiropractors around the globe build interdisciplinary referral relationships.

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3 Reasons Chiropractic is the Best Choice for Back Pain- by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

Efficacy- Numerous research studies have shown chiropractic care to be a very effective treatment option for back pain.  Over 90% of people will experience back pain at some point in their life.  Thankfully, a vast majority of people will not need surgery.  However, many will be sent to physical therapy or prescribed medications.  Researchers have found that chiropractic care can provide "significantly" superior outcomes when compared to common medications such as NSAID's. Also, chiropractic adjustments have been shown to be clinically superior to active exercise/physical therapy.

Safety-  Chiropractic care is extremely safe.  To date, there are no studies which show causation of any serious adverse effect after a chiropractic adjustment to the low back.  Studies that have looked at the safety of adjusting the neck have shown it to be more safe than taking  over the counter medications.  

Cost-  While the cost of seeing a chiropractic care vary depending upon where you live; studies have found chiropractic care to be extremely cost-effective when compared to other treatments for spine related pain.  Additionally, chiropractic care is included on most health insurance plans. 

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-The Evidence Based Chiropractor has assisted hundreds of chiropractors around the globe build interdisciplinary referral relationships.

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Top 3 Chiropractic Research Articles of 2013- by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

Last year, three landmark chiropractic research articles were released.  But, like a tree in the woods; if it falls and no ones hears it, did it actually fall?  We used these articles as part of our Monthly MD Research Brief's and our members were able to get the information out to thousands of MD's.  Yet, many chiropractors are still unaware of this great research.  Here are the top 3 chiropractic research articles of 2013-  

“There was a statistically and clinically significant benefit to those patients receiving chiropractic manipulative treatment...” 

“73% of participants in the SMC plus CMT group rated their global improvement as pain completely gone, much better, or moderately better, compared with 17% in the SMC group.” 

“This is the first time that spinal manipulation was investigated in a double-blinded randomized controlled design showing clear superiority compared with placebo and NSAID.” 

“HVLA manipulation can be recommended for the therapy of acute nonspecific LBP.” 

“Final evaluation showed manipulation being significantly better than NSAID and clinical superior to placebo.” 

JMPT 2013

“A systematic review of the literature done the next year concluded that spinal manipulation is a very safe and cost-effective option to treat lumbar disc herniation.” 

“Both of the treatment groups had significant decreases in their NRS scores at 1 month with a 60% reduction for the Spinal Manipulative Therapy cohort and a 53% reduction for the Nerve Root Injection group.” 

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-The Evidence Based Chiropractor has assisted hundreds of chiropractors around the globe build interdisciplinary referral relationships.

Have you viewed our FREE Guides?  Download The MD Meeting and the 5 Secrets to MD Referrals today. 

When Should I See a Chiropractor? by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

Eight out of ten people will experience back pain at some point in their life, and at least one third of the people in our community have back pain at any given time. For many people, the pain can keep them away from work, school, or even their day-to-day activities. If pain causes interruptions and restrictions in the activities of your daily life then you should consult a health care provider.

Chiropractors are highly educated and extensively trained to evaluate, diagnose, and treat conditions disorders of the spine, joints, muscle and nervous systems. These disorders may include back pain, neck pain, headaches, referred pain in your arms and legs, etc. Many patients seek chiropractic treatment for wellness care. Others, like seniors, find that treatment helps them to maintain mobility and good range of motion.

Pain should never become a way of life, especially when qualified help is available. 

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