Study: Active Duty Military with Low Back Pain Show Significant Improvement from Chiropractic Care

“Chiropractic care is an important option to consider for musculoskeletal disorders—the most prevalent pain complaint in the military.”

Wayne B. Jonas, MD

President and CEO

Samueli Institute

A study published in the scientific journal Spine in 2013 shows that active duty military who receive chiropractic care along with standard medical care for low back pain have a significant reduction in acute pain compared to colleagues who get standard care only.

Patients receiving chiropractic care also reported improved physical function. The study is the result of a randomized controlled trial, the gold standard in scientific evidence for health care policy, which took place over a period of 18 months at William Beaumont Army Medical Center (WBAMC), Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas. Participants were 91 active-duty military personnel between 18 and 35 years old.

Samueli Institute funded the Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research to conduct the study to learn what works and to put good practices into use.

“It is critical that we continue to explore drug-less approaches to reduce pain,” said Wayne B. Jonas, MD, President and CEO of Samueli Institute. “Chiropractic care is an important option to consider for musculoskeletal disorders—the most prevalent pain complaint in the military.”

Patients with acute low back pain receiving a combination of chiropractic manipulative therapy and standard medical care experienced a statistically and clinically significant reduction in their back pain and improved physical functioning when compared to those receiving standard medical care alone.

“This is a significant step for recognizing the value of chiropractic care in the military,” said Col. Richard Petri, Chief of the Interdisciplinary PainManagement Center (IPMC) at WBAMC. “Continued research in this area will ultimately result in better healthcare delivery systems as well as the improved health of our beneficiaries.”

The study was conducted by Samueli Institute and Palmer College of Chiropractic. The project was funded by Samueli Institute, out of grant #MDA905-03-C-0003 received from Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. The views, opinions and/or findings contained in this report are those of the author(s) and should not be construed as an official Department of the Army position, policy or decision unless so designated by other documentation.

1737 King Street, Suite 600 | Alexandria, VA 22314 | www.SamueliInstitute.org

Patient Advice: Military Veterans and Managing Chronic Pain

http://blog.aapainmanage.org/comprehensive-pain-management-incorporating-complementary-and-integrative-medicine-the-military-medicine-experience/

Chiropractic Care - Get the Facts!

Did you know? Chiropractic care is a safe, effective first option for pain management: back, neck, acute or chronic neuro-musculoskeletal conditions, and headaches – among other conditions. #ThinkChiropractic

F4CP Lauds CDC Opioid Prescribing Guidelines, Chiropractic is Safer, Non-Drug Approach for Pain Relief

"CDC recommends conservative care and alternative options prior to prescription painkiller treatment."

www.yes2chiropractic.org

 

In response to the new federal guidelines issued by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding opioid prescribing, the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP), the voice for the chiropractic profession, notes that many individuals are prescribed opioids for pain associated with musculoskeletal conditions, including low back and neck pain. Individuals utilizing opioids may be unaware of the effectiveness of alternative care, which includes chiropractic.

“The growing opioid epidemic is finally gaining the attention it deserves," states Sherry McAllister, DC, executive vice president, F4CP, referencing a report which found that in 2014, the increased utilization of opioids led to 28,647 deaths – or 61 percent of total drug overdose fatalities in the U.S. "Chiropractic care is a hands-on, non-invasive approach documented to yield improved clinical outcomes, reduced costs and high levels of patient satisfaction.”

According to a report published by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), spinal manipulative therapy effectively and significantly reduced pain and improved function for patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Today, doctors of chiropractic (DCs) perform 94 percent of spinal manipulations in the U.S. Additionally, an earlier BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders study on upper cervical chiropractic care for neck pain, headache, mid-back, and low back pain concludes that 9.1 out of 10 patients indicated a very high level of patient satisfaction.

“Collectively, we need to implement changes across the health care continuum, and the care provided by a doctor of chiropractic is the key to effectively managing pain and avoiding opioid drug treatment," adds Dr. McAllister, who notes that Americans consume 80 percent of the world’s opioid supply, despite comprising less than five percent of the global population. “Health care providers across all disciplines should consider safe and effective conservative care options prior to prescribing addictive and potentially fatal opioids – which have yet to be deemed effective for long-term pain management.”

Under the new guidelines, the CDC encourages doctors to utilize conservative care prior to prescription painkiller treatment, and prescribe painkillers only after considering non-addictive pain relievers, behavioral changes and alternative options. Additionally, the CDC recommends doctors prescribe the lowest effective dose possible, and only continue prescribing the drugs if patients show substantial improvement.

Doctors of chiropractic, who receive a minimum of seven years of higher education, are specifically trained to diagnose, evaluate and provide non-pharmaceutical care and rehabilitation to individuals suffering from acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain, headaches and general health concerns.

The F4CP is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the value of chiropractic care, and cites chiropractic care as an integral part of the solution in mitigating opioid misuse, abuse and dependency.

Alexis Lignos

Marketing Director at Foundation for Chiropractic Progress

201-641-1911 (52)

alexis@f4cp.com

For more information about chiropractic care or to find a doctor in your area, visit: www.F4CP.org/findadoctor.

About Foundation for Chiropractic Progress

A not-for-profit organization, the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP) informs and educates the general public about the value of chiropractic care.

Visit www.f4cp.com; www.yes2chiropractic.org; call 866-901-F4CP(3427). 

Social media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube.

Niel-Asher Technique for Frozen Shoulder [1]

The Niel-Asher Technique™ is a 'natural' method of treatment that utilizes the body's own healing mechanisms. No drugs, no surgery.

The technique uses a specific and unique sequence of manipulations and pressure points to the shoulder joints and soft-tissues. In essence, these can be thought of as 'inputs' into the nervous system.

The technique has been in use since 1997 and has been adopted and approved by Doctors, Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, and Chiropractors in the UK, Europe, and the United States.

NAT works with the body, listening to the body's wisdom - not by forcing the arm into the restricted ranges but by applying gentle stimulation to muscles whilst they are resting.[1]

- See more at: http://www.frozenshoulder.com/NAT#sthash.Cshgkm61.dpuf

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[1] Asher, Simeon Niel. "NAT - Treatment Topography." The Niel-Asher Technique. Niel Asher Healthcare Ltd., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2016. .

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