Low Back Pain
Low back pain (LBP) is a major health problem with enormous economic and social costs. These patients use more than 80% of all healthcare costs for back trouble, and treatment for this group has had a low success rate. Unfortunately chronic LBP is prevalent in many countries around the world, estimates from the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2014-15 National Health Survey show about 3.7 million Australians (16% of the population) have back problems. It is estimated that 70-90% of people will suffer from lower back pain in some form at some point in their lives. The Chiropractic Hospital-based Interventions Research Outcomes (CHIRO) Study: A randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of clinical practice guidelines in the medical and chiropractic management of patients with acute mechanical low back pain. The Spine Journal October 2, 2010
- This research studied into the effectiveness of spinal manipulations in patients with mechanical lower back pain and compares it with the treatment received by family physician directed care.
- This study showed that compared to family physician-directed study care, chiropractic spinal manipulations are associated with significantly greater improvement in their condition and functioning level.
The Chiropractic treatment aims to reduce nerve pressure caused by poorly moving spinal joints as well as easing muscular tension in the lower spine. This is achieved by using a combination of the following techniques:
- Spinal manipulations
- Spinal mobilisations
- Pelvic alignment techniques
- Ice/Cold therapy
- Massage therapy
- Trigger point therapy
- Stretching tight muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments
- Core stability exercises to improve bracing muscles.
- Instruction in proper body mechanics during bending, lifting and carrying heavy objects
- Ergonomic adjustments in the work place
- Teaching and prescription of a home exercise program to assist in recovery and prevent re-occurrence
