"Chiropractic is a wonderful means of natural healing!" – Bob Hope
Introduction | Pain Management | Limit Painkillers | Depression | Infantile Colic | Scoliosis & Kyphosis | Migraine | Digestive System | Final Thoughts | References | Disclaimer
Introduction
Chiropractic care, by definition, is there to aid in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal conditions. However, spinal manipulation allows for the proper alignment of the spine, which in turn impacts the functioning of our nervous system. The central nervous system is a network of neural connections that spread throughout our whole body and control all the organs, tissues, and muscles. In this way, spinal manipulative therapy has far-reaching effects beyond the musculoskeletal system, and chiropractors may also be able to help manage the symptoms of other health conditions.
Spinal manipulation and pain management
In modern society, back pains are very common, and proper spinal alignment can provide relief from these symptoms even when the root causes differ. Many studies have demonstrated that chiropractic adjustments are an effective means of pain management in both acute and chronic conditions. Studies are showing that spinal manipulation improves pain in the short term, but longitudinal studies investigating chiropractic maintenance for back pain are lacking.
A review of scientific evidence, carried out by Bronfort et al.[1], inspected the outcome of spinal manipulative therapy [SMT] and mobilization [MOB] on lower back pain [LBP] and neck pain [NP]. Upon analysis, the researchers found data showing that SMT can help diminish both chronic and acute LBP problems as well as chronic NP. Similarly, MOB was found to be effective in both chronic and acute LBP and also in chronic and acute NP. The authors of this review concluded that both SMT and MOB are viable treatment options for LBP and NP.
Another review of existing research conducted by Kirkaldy-Willis and Cassidy[2] investigated the effectiveness of spinal manipulation [SM] in the treatment of low-back pain. The scientists found evidence showing that SM can help shorten episodes of acute and chronic pain in the lower back. Additionally, it has been observed that SM inhibits muscle spasms and excitability, which are associated with low-back pain.
Reduced necessity for painkillers
Chiropractic treatment has been proven to be an effective way of managing pain in acute spinal conditions. According to the studies, people who visit chiropractors shortly after their diagnosis have a reduced risk of painkiller use in comparison to those who do not receive spinal manipulative therapy.
A study designed by Whedon et al.[3] focused on the impact of chiropractic care on the necessity for painkiller use in patients with spinal pain. The researchers compared two groups of patients who were likely to be prescribed opioids for their spinal conditions. One group received primary care and chiropractic care, whereas the other group received only primary care. Study results showed that subjects receiving chiropractic care were 50% less likely to file opioid prescriptions if they underwent chiropractic treatment in the acute phase of pain [first 30 days after diagnosis].
Another study, carried out by Emary et al.[4], also investigated the links between chiropractic care and the potentially reduced necessity for painkiller use in patients with spinal pain. The authors observed that chiropractic treatment in the acute phase of pain was associated with a decreased need for opioid prescriptions.
Chiropractic treatment for depression
Depression is a neuropsychiatric condition that manifests a variety of symptoms, both neurological and psychiatric. It is commonly treated with antidepressants. However, there are several studies investigating alternative treatment methods, such as chiropractics, to provide patients with different treatment options.
A review of literature conducted by Kiani et al.[5] looked at the impact of chiropractic care on major depressive disorder [MDD]. The researchers found evidence showing that spinal manipulative therapy and vagal nerve stimulation may help recover from autonomic nervous system imbalances and the accompanying symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, agitation, elevated adrenaline, and cortisol levels. Additionally, it was observed that vagal nerve stimulation triggered activity in the same brain regions as antidepressant therapy, with the same effect.
A case study described by Chu and Ng[6] presented a chiropractic treatment protocol and its results performed on a 44-year-old woman who suffered from tension headaches and major depression. The authors observed that a series of chiropractic adjustments over 6 months led to a complete withdrawal of all of the symptoms, discontinuation of the medication, and improved quality of life.
Spinal manipulation helps in infantile colic
Traditional treatment methods for infantile colic do not present consistent results and tend to work for some babies but not others. The search for a remedy to relieve colic symptoms and ease crying has turned the attention of many scientists to alternative sources, such as chiropractic treatments. Studies show that spinal manipulation has both short- and long-term effects on the well-being of colicky babies.
A randomized controlled trial designed by Wiberg, Nordsteen, and Nilsson[7] aimed at determining if spinal manipulation had any short-term effects on infantile colic. The authors of the trial compared two groups of infants, one that received chiropractic therapy and a second that received the drug dimethicone. Both groups were followed for 2 weeks, and the results revealed that infants who received spinal manipulative therapy did significantly better than those who took dimethicone. On days 4–7 of the trial, babies who were given dimethicone experienced a reduction in crying of 1 hour, whereas the other group experienced a reduction of 2.4 hours. Similarly, on days 8–11 of the study, the dimethicone group remained at a reduction of 1 hour, and the chiropractic group decreased crying time by 2.7 hours. These findings led the researchers to conclude that spinal manipulation is an effective tool for relieving infantile colic.
A review of scientific evidence conducted by Alcantara et al.[8] looked at the outcomes of chiropractic treatment for infantile colic. The authors of the review found data confirming the positive impact of spinal manipulation on the experience of colic episodes in babies. They concluded that chiropractic care should be considered a viable treatment for this condition and one that has the potential to be more successful than current traditional approaches.
Lastly, a comparative study carried out by Miller and Phillips[9] investigated the long-term behavioral and sleep effects of chiropractic colic treatment in toddlers. They found evidence that toddlers who underwent chiropractic spinal manipulation as infants were less likely to experience temper tantrums and nocturnal wakings at 2–3 years of age. These findings revealed that chiropractic care impacts long-term behavior and sleep patterns in young children.
Chiropractic care for scoliosis and kyphosis
Postural deformities of the spine cause a whole range of painful side effects that disrupt daily functioning. Patients suffering from scoliosis and kyphosis experience migraines, behavioral changes, pain, and aches in their backs. Chiropractic care can bring great relief to these symptoms as well as diminish the spinal changes and improve their condition.
A case study presented by Janiszewski and Sorbara[10] described the outcomes of spinal manipulative therapy on a 7-year-old patient who was diagnosed with 13-degree idiopathic scoliosis in the lumbopelvic region. The patient underwent a series of chiropractic treatments [Pierce Chiropractic Technique], which resulted in a reduction of the scoliosis angle by 8 degrees.
Another case study demonstrated by Khauv and Dickholtz[11] presented the outcomes of a series of chiropractic treatments performed on a 15-year-old patient diagnosed with 44-degree idiopathic scoliosis in the upper cervical region. After 35 visits to the chiropractic practitioner, which were spread over 4 years and 2.5 months, the angle of scoliosis decreased to 32 degrees and was no longer considered a surgical case.
A case report presented by Gubbels et al.[12] delivered the outcomes of spinal manipulative therapy on thoracolumbar kyphosis and lumbar spine hypolordosis. A 16-year-old patient received a series of 24 treatments over 8 weeks, which resulted in significant improvement of kyphosis [from 29.8 degrees to 7.9 degrees] and lumbar lordosis [from 24.3 degrees to 35.5 degrees].
Spinal manipulative therapy in migraine treatment
The occurrence of migraines is associated with a dysfunction of the sympathetic nervous system. Over the years, multiple studies have focused on the analysis of chiropractic therapy as a potential treatment for recurring migraines. Researchers involved in migraine research have found evidence that spinal manipulation can provide relief to patients suffering from this condition by reducing the frequency, severity, and intensity of their attacks as well as shortening their duration.
A clinical trial designed by Tuchin[13] investigated the impact of spinal manipulative therapy [SMT] on migraines. The author recruited 32 participants and divided them into two groups: the intervention group and the placebo group. After 12 months of the study, 24 subjects were assessed. The results revealed significant improvements in migraine frequency [60% reduction], the severity of the episodes [14% reduction], and their duration [20% reduction].
A meta-analysis conducted by Rist et al.[14] aimed at assessing the impact of spinal manipulative therapy on migraine pain and disability. The results of this review revealed that chiropractic treatment was successful in decreasing the number of migraine days and reducing the intensity and pain associated with this condition.
Chiropractic care supports a healthy digestive system
Chiropractic treatment helps relieve gastrointestinal complaints in many patients. Spinal manipulative therapy not only reduced or resolved the symptoms but was also found to be successful in reducing patients' need for prescription medications.
A clinical trial carried out by Young, McCarthy, and King[15] investigated the impact of chiropractic care on digestive issues such as gastroesophageal reflux disorder. The researchers gathered the data from 83 chiropractic patients with pain in the digestive tract and followed their results for 3 months. Study outcomes indicated that chiropractic treatment was effective in reducing symptom frequency and severity. Additionally, it reduced patients' medication needs.
A case study presented by Alcantara and Anderson[16] described the outcomes of spinal manipulative therapy on GERD symptoms in a 3-month-old baby. Following a series of appointments, Alcantara and Anderson observed first a reduction in symptoms such as vomiting, excessive crying, difficulty breastfeeding, interrupted sleep, and excessive intestinal gas, eventually seeing their complete withdrawal.
Final Thoughts
The scientific exploration of the impact that chiropractic care has on the human body is growing. Scientists, researchers, and chiropractic practitioners observe some of the most profound changes in patients suffering from musculoskeletal conditions, digestive issues, migraines, depression, and so on. Spinal manipulative therapy proves time after time that its benefits extend beyond treating back pain. In some countries, chiropractic care has become a complementary element to allopathic medicine in the health care system. Chiropractic care improves the quality of life for patients who suffer from pain and reduces the need for prescription drugs. Many medical doctors refer their patients to chiropractors for these reasons.
References
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