Chiropractic physicians typically employ manipulative therapy (adjustments) to the spine and extremities to address joint and neurophysiological dysfunction. Manipulation/adjustment is a precise procedure requiring the discrimination and identification of dysfunction, interpretation and application of clinical knowledge, and use of cognitive and psychomotor skills.
Joint dysfunction may be the result of trauma, over-use, postural neglect, prolonged sitting, or bending and lifting improperly. Our first responsibility with patient care is to identify the underlying issue causing pain or other symptoms. Once that has been identified, we can make treatment recommendations.
Current scientific literature supports the use of spinal manipulation for both acute and chronic back pain. A joint clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society recommends spinal manipulation for acute low back pain and additional therapies for subacute and chronic pain (Chou, 2007). Many additional studies through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other investigators support manipulation for spine pain.
Chou, R. (2007) Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain: A joint clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society. Annals of Internal Medicine, 147 (7).