On this past Valentine's Day, the Annals of Internal Medicine, a respected medical journal, published clinical guidelines for low back pain. The guidelines are based on previously-performed studies of varying evidence qualities. They noted specifically that most low back pain does not require pharmaceutical intervention and can be helped with noninvasive treatment such as chiropractic care and massage. This continues the medical movement away from over-medicating conditions which can find resolution without major drugs or surgery, and confirms what we chiropractors see regularly: patients with low back pain improving every day. Here are the main recommendations from the paper: Recommendation 1: Given that most patients with acute or subacute low back pain improve over time regardless of treatment, clinicians and patients should select nonpharmacologic treatment with superficial heat (moderate-quality evidence), massage, acupuncture, or spinal manipulation (low-quality evidence). If pharmacologic treatment is desired, clinicians and patients should select nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or skeletal muscle relaxants (moderate-quality evidence). (Grade: strong recommendation) I would add that although low back pain tends to improve over time in most patients regardless of treatment, it is also one of the highest-recurring conditions of the body. In other words, if you have had low back pain in the past, you're almost certain to get it again. This means that proper treatment is indeed necessary to strengthen the muscles of the low back, to properly align the spine, to protect your posture, and so on, to properly treat the condition and prevent its return for as long as possible. It is not appropriate to sit back, wait for the pain to go away, and then figure that you're just fine. When pain disappears, it doesn't automatically mean that everything's fine. Ongoing exercise, postural modifications, and even massage and chiropractic care can be a major benefit.
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DisclaimerUnless otherwise attributed, all content is written by Kyle Johnson, DC, of Johnson Family Chiropractic of Peoria.
All images used are under Creative Commons license. Although every effort has been made to provide an accurate description of our chiropractic care and its benefits, the information given on this website and blog is not intended to be, nor should it be interpreted as, medical advice for any condition. If you have any questions regarding your condition, you should seek the help of Dr. Johnson in person, so that he may properly assess your condition. This blog is provided by Johnson Family Chiropractic of Peoria, S.C., proudly located in Peoria, IL. |