Low back pain is a common problem and a leading cause of disability. A variety of treatments are used to address it. Recent guidelines from the American College of Physicians recommend nondrug treatment first, including heat, massage, acupuncture and spinal manipulation by a chiropractor or other healthcare provider. Findings from a study published in JAMA Network Open (May 2018) back up the effectiveness of spinal manipulation. The study included 750 active-duty service members aged 18 to 50 with low back pain. Half of them received usual medical care, including medications, physical therapy and referral to a pain clinic. The other half also received up to 12 visits with a chiropractor for spinal manipulation and other therapies. After six weeks, the group receiving usual care plus chiropractic care had greater improvements in lowering pain intensity and disability than those getting usual care alone.
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