In May of 2009 a report was published by Consumer Reports magazine. They surveyed more than 14,000 people who have had back pain in the last year but did not have back surgery. Many of the participants tried several different courses of treatment. Among other things, people were asked what type of treatment they chose and how satisfied with that treatment they were. Here are the results:
1. 59% were highly satisfied with Chiropractic manipulation
2. 55% were highly satisfied with Physical Therapy
3. 53% were highly satisfied with Acupuncture
4. 44% were highly satisfied with their Physician, specialist
5. 34% were highly satisfied with their Primary care Physician
Massage therapy was also included but put under the category of Physical Therapy. Many respondents found spinal injections to be very helpful although doctor techniques varied. Of those taking prescription medications, 45% found them to be very helpful.
While I am happy to say that Chiropractic manipulation scored very high I can also admit that all options are very good. The treatment which you choose should depend on your condition and your level of comfort with the proposed treatment. Often times with cases of severe back pain the patient will benefit most from co-management; pain management from your Primary care physician with Chiropractic care or Physical therapy for example.
Bryan M. Steele, DC