Neck Pain Research

There is a significant body of research on chiropractic treatment for neck pain, with many studies showing positive results.

One systematic review published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics in 2017. It found that spinal manipulation therapy performed by chiropractors was effective for several things. first in reducing neck pain intensity.  Secondly,  improving neck function. Finally, improving patient satisfaction. The review included 27 randomized controlled trials. The authors concluded that chiropractic care should be considered as a first-line treatment option for patients with neck pain.

Another study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2012 found that chiropractic care was more effective than medication in treating acute neck pain. The study involved 272 patients with acute neck pain.  these people  were randomized to receive either chiropractic care, medication, or home exercise advice. The results were the chiropractic group had the largest reductions in pain and the highest rates of patient satisfaction.

Lastly, a 2019 randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. This study found that a combination of chiropractic care and exercise was effective for reducing neck pain and improving neck function in patients with chronic neck pain.

Research Dr Hulsebus Discussed

Effectiveness of Thoracic Spine Manipulation on the Management of Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials.  This is the paper he discussed in the podcast.  This paper highlights several things.  First, that there is a connection between chiropractic and neck pain relief. Second, by looking at the thoracic spine below the neck also helps with neck pain.  Third, pain will be resolved fast with this.  Finally, pain stayed away longer with this approach.