Doc's Thoughts

Chiropractic Care Beats Medication For Pain

New research 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 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% of those who met with DC's and 48% who exercise reported at least a 75% reduction in pain, compared to 33% of the people in the medication group. After one year, approximately 53% of the drug-free groups still reported at least a 75% reduction in pain; compared to just a 38% pain reduction among those who took medication.

The study, funded by the national Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, is making headlines across the country. The results of the study have appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Web M.D., and ”World News with Diane Sawyer”  amongst other media outlets.

Dr. T