Neck pain Study Chiropractic, Exercise or Medications which last longer or works better?

It looks like all work, but Spinal Manipulative therapy comes out on top followed by exercise, followed by Medications. In our office we use both excercise and Spinal Manipulative therapy. Dr Cliff

Neck Pain Study Reinforces Use of Chiropractic, Other Conservative Options

Arlington, Va.� A new study published this month in the Annals of Internal Medicine finds spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) and exercise more effective at relieving neck pain than pain medication. The research reinforces the use of conservative care options as a first line of defense against pain, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). The study divided participants into three groups that received either SMT from a doctor of chiropractic (DC), pain medication (over-the-counter pain relievers, narcotics and muscle relaxants) or exercise recommendations. After 12 weeks, about 57 percent of those who met with DCs and 48 percent who exercised reported at least a 75 percent reduction in pain, compared to 33 percent of the people in the medication group. After one year, approximately 53 percent of the drug-free groups still reported at least a 75 percent reduction in pain; compared to just 38 percent pain reduction among those who took medication. The study also found that despite experiencing limited pain relief, people in the drug group continued using a higher amount of medication more frequently throughout the follow-up period. This finding underscores concerns raised in an April 2011 government report that indicated prescription drug abuse in the U.S. has reached crisis level. "Doctors of chiropractic have long cautioned against the overuse of medication to treat musculoskeletal pain," said ACA President Keith Overland, DC. "We continue to promote drug-free, conservative interventions for neck pain patients before referral for medical management that may result in side effects. Patients deserve to know that there are natural, drug-free options when it comes to pain relief." The American Chiropractic Association (ACA), based in Arlington, Va., is the largest professional association in the United States representing doctors of chiropractic. ACA promotes the highest standards of patient care and ethics, and supports research that contributes to the health and well-being of millions of chiropractic patients. Visit www.acatoday.org.

Author: American Chiropractic Association
Source: Acatoday.com, January 6, 2012.
Copyright: American Chiropractic Association 2012

After 30 years loving my occupation performing spinal manipulation for pain management I know what I do works. Chiropractic has grown not by spending billions of dollars in commercials, but by the referals of our happy patients. Studies like those above reported in the Medical Journals are the new start for the next generation. Natural first, drugs second, surgery last. Mother nature is very wise, listen to her. Neck pain from most causes including trauma like whiplash after an automobile accident, or simply turning your head to fast will respond well to Chirpractic. We are only a phone call away.