Is Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain Safe? by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

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An on-going topic of discussion, political posturing, and research is the safety of cervical spine manipulation.  Throughout the years this has been a hot button issue filled with pseudo-science, myth, and exaggeration. 

One of the most thorough research articles relating to the safety of cervical spine manipulation came from the esteemed SPINE Journal in 2007.  It obtained data from over 50,000 cervical spine manipulations and showed NO SERIOUS ADVERSE events for up to 7 days post-treatment.  

They found that "the risk of a serious adverse event, immediately or up to 7 days after treatment, was low to very low".  Additionally, they stated "risk rates described in this study compare favorably to those linked to drugs routinely prescribed for musculoskeletal conditions in general practice".  

In essence, they concluded that cervical spine manipulation is at least, if not more, safe than the medication you would receive from your primary care physician for neck pain.  

- Safety of Chiropractic Manipulation of the Cervical Spine.  SPINE Volume 32, Number 21, pp 2375-2378 @2007 

Interested in more?  See the Top 10 Chiropractic Research Articles which every chiropractor should know about HERE.

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-The Evidence Based Chiropractor is the fastest growing chiropractic outreach group in the profession.  The service is dedicated to increasing chiropractic utilization by showcasing research.  Marketing to medical doctors through research is efficient, cost effective, and can dramatically improve your incoming referrals.  Join us.  Lets grow chiropractic together.

Back Pain and Narcotics - The Evidence Based Chiropractor

“A recent meta-analysis revealed that narcotics provide little to no benefit in acute back pain, they have no proved efficacy in chronic back pain, and 43% of patients have concurrent substance abuse disorders, with aberrant medication-taking disorders as high as 24% of cases of chronic back pain.” - Martel et al. 2007

So why are so many medications still prescribed for acute back pain?  Well, the truth is that primary care physicians have a limited skill set to deal with musculoskeletal complaints.  Add to this the constant marketing by pharmaceutical companies and the desire to "help" the patient through the acute pain; and you start to see the formula for ill advised treatment.

Evidence based management guidelines continue to support the use of chiropractic care for these patients.  However, the impetus is on us, as chiropractors, to get out and let our local physicians know about the research.  

Martell BA, O’Connor PG, Kerns RD, et al. Systematic review: opioid treatment for chronic back pain: prevalence, efficacy, and association with addiction. Ann Intern Med. 2007;146(2):116-127

-The Evidence Based Chiropractor is the fastest growing chiropractic outreach group in the profession.  The service is dedicated to increasing chiropractic utilization by showcasing research.  Marketing to medical doctors through research is efficient, cost effective, and can dramatically improve your incoming referrals.  Join us.  Lets grow chiropractic together

AAOS Release List of Unnecessary Orthopedic Tests and Procedures- by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

The AAOS (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) recently released their list of unnecessary orthopedic tests and procedures.  This is part of the "Choose Wisely" campaign which is, at least theoretically, supposed to assist patients in making proper health care decisions.

As the article released from Healio states:

"AAOS provided the five following recommendations for the Choose Wisely campaign:

• avoid performing routine postoperative deep vein thrombosis ultrasonography screening in patients who undergo elective hip or knee arthroplasty;
• do not use needle lavage to treat patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee for long-term relief;
• do not use glucosamine and chondroitin to treat patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee;
• do not use lateral wedge insoles to treat patients with symptomatic medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee; and
• do not use postoperative splinting of the wrist after carpal tunnel release for long-term relief."

While these recommendations do not necessarily affect our practice as chiropractors, it is important to be familiar with the list so you may help guide your patients.  I am sure we all have patients who have had, or are scheduled for, some of the procedures on this list.  It may be in the best interest of your patient if you are able to provide them with information which may steer them away from invasive and ineffective treatments.  

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-The Evidence Based Chiropractor is the fastest growing chiropractic outreach group in the profession.  The service, founded and run by Dr. Jeff Langmaid, is dedicated to increasing chiropractic utilization by showcasing research.  Marketing to medical doctors through research is proven, cost effective, and can dramatically improve your incoming referrals.  Join us.  Lets grow chiropractic together.

Do I Need an MRI? by The Evidence Based Chiropractor

Many primary care doctors order MRI's immediately for patients with spine complaints.  Did you know that research suggests the patients should be evaluated by a non-surgical spine physician first?  For many local primary care doctors, we are that choice! 

    -The Evidence Based Chiropractor is the fastest growing chiropractic outreach group in the profession.  The service, founded and run by Dr. Jeff Langmaid, is dedicated to increasing chiropractic utilization by showcasing research.  Marketing to medical doctors through research is proven, cost effective, and can dramatically improve your incoming referrals.  Join us.  Lets grow chiropractic together

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Pediatrician Referring to a Chiropractor?

A mother and father arrive with their young child for his one month check up with their pediatrician.  During the visit they mention the young boy is not opening his jaw all the way, has limited neck motion, and while gaining adequate weight, the feedings are quite uncomfortable for mom due to the lack of jaw extension.  The pediatrician picks up the phone, calls his chiropractic colleague and refers the young boy for a chiropractic evaluation.  Does this seem like fantasy?  Well, this exact situation played out in my office just this week.  And it is due to the relationships that can be built using a systematic approach, like those of The Evidence Based Chiropractor.  

While most of the research provided by The Evidence Based Chiropractor is not pediatric specific, it is still extremely valuable to distribute this literature to your local pediatricians (assuming you are interested in seeing children in your practice).  The research positions you and your practice as one which is current, modern, up to date, and a trusty worthy source of health care for your community.  Then by using additional tools such as those outlined in The MD Meeting Report, you can establish the personal rapport necessary to facilitate these referrals.  

I don’t know about you, but the idea that my local pediatricians will “stand up” and directly refer patients to my office gets me really excited.  This is not about “seeking the approval” of local MD’s, but rather working in collaboration and gaining exposure to patients whom may have not made it to your office on their own.  After all, less than 12% of the population visits chiropractic offices. When other physicians in my community directly refer to my office I take pride in exposing their patients to our wonderful profession.  Join us, and utilize our elegant and effective service designed to facilitate these types of referrals.   

The Evidence Based Chiropractor  is the fastest growing chiropractic marketing group in the profession.  The service, founded and run by Dr. Jeff Langmaid, is dedicated to increasing chiropractic utilization by showcasing research.  Marketing to medical doctors through research is proven, cost effective, and can dramatically improve your incoming referrals. Join us.  Lets grow chiropractic together