Chiropractic and Its Use in Treating Low-Back Pain [NCCAM Research Report]

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Chiropractic and Its Use in Treating Low-Back Pain [NCCAM Research Report]

NCCAM, National Institutes of Health
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About Chiropractic and Its Use in Treating Low-Back Pain
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Key Points
What is chiropractic?
What is the history of the discovery and use of chiropractic?
Who uses chiropractic and for what health problems?
What kind of training do chiropractors receive?
What do chiropractors do in treating patients?
Have side effects or problems been reported from using chiropractic to treat back pain?
Does the government regulate chiropractic?
Do health insurance plans pay for chiropractic treatment?
What has scientific research found out about whether chiropractic works for low-back pain?
Are there scientific controversies associated with chiropractic?
Is NCCAM funding research on chiropractic?
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References
Appendix I
Appendix II
Chiropractic ("kye-roh-PRAC-tic") is a form of health care that focuses on the relationship between the body's structure, primarily of the spine, and function. Doctors of chiropractic, who are also called chiropractors or chiropractic physicians, use a type of hands-on therapy called manipulationThe application of controlled force to a joint, moving it beyond the normal range of motion in an effort to aid in restoring health. Manipulation may be performed as a part of other therapies or whole medical systems, including chiropractic medicine, massage, and naturopathy. (or adjustment) as their core clinical procedure. While there are some differences in beliefs and approaches within the chiropractic profession, this Research Report will give you a general overview of chiropractic, discuss scientific research findings on chiropractic treatment for low-back pain, and suggest other sources of information.

Key Points
Chiropractic is most often used to treat musculoskeletal conditions--problems with the muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissue such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.

Research studies of chiropractic treatment for low-back pain have been of uneven quality and insufficient to allow firm conclusions. Nonetheless, the overall sense of the data is that for low-back pain, chiropractic treatment and conventional medical treatments are about equally helpful. It is harder to draw conclusions about the relative value of chiropractic for other clinical conditions.

The risk of experiencing complications from chiropractic adjustment of the low back appears to be very low. However, the risk appears to be higher for adjustment of the neck.

It is important to inform all of your health care providers about any treatment that you are using or considering, including chiropractic. This will help each provider make sure that all aspects of your health care are working together.