Chiropractic More Effective than Drugs for Back Pain

Don't Choose Drugs for Back Pain

In our Juneau, AK practice, Dr. Messerschmidt has helped many patients recover from back problems. If you are struggling with back pain, you've probably been tempted to take drugs to decrease the discomfort. You should know that research indicates that chiropractic care is usually a better approach than drugs when it comes to alleviating this common type of pain.

In a 2013 report published in the journal Spine researchers included 101 individuals who had suffered back pain for more than two days. Each person was then assigned to one of three groups. The first group, which was made up of 37 patients, received chiropractic care and a placebo of the non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac. The second group of 38 participants received fake chiropractic treatments and the actual drug. The third group of 25 subjects acted as the control as those individuals received sham chiropractic and also received the placebo, thus having no real care whatsoever.

Both of the groups that received some type of actual treatment, whether through chiropractic or the medication, fared better than the control group who had no actual care. However, when the two active groups were compared to each other, the patients who received chiropractic care had results that were "significantly better" than those who took the medications.

Chiropractic: Natural Healing

Because chiropractic care is non-invasive and doesn't use drugs, it helps promote healing without adverse effects. For example, anti-inflammatory drugs can result in ulcers, heart problems, and other serious health issues. Plus, the benefits of chiropractic care last longer as it's purpose designed to resolve the source of the problem, not just treat the symptoms.

If you're ready to get help for your back pain naturally, then chiropractic is for you. Schedule an appointment in our Juneau, AK office with Dr. Messerschmidt today at (907) 789-1344. We'll help improve your back problems in a healthy way!

References

von Heymann WJ, Schloemer P, Timm J, Muehlbauer B. Spinal high-velocity low amplitude manipulation in acute nonspecific low back pain: a double-blind randomized controlled trial in comparison with diclofenac and placebo. Spine 2013;38(7):540-548.