Ask Dr. K: Studies show chiropractic can relieve pain

DEAR DOCTOR K: I’ve been having back problems, and frankly, my regular doctor hasn’t come up with treatments that help me much. So I’m wondering: What happens during chiropractic treatment? What types of pain can it relieve?

DEAR READER: Regular readers of this column know that I’m not very stuffy. I think treatments that are called “complementary” or “alternative” medicine should not be dismissed out of hand.

Chiropractic is a form of alternative medicine. It is based on the belief that the structure of the body, particularly the spine, affects the function of every part of the body.

The mainstay of chiropractic is spinal manipulation. This generic term is used for any kind of therapeutic movement of the spine. More precisely, it is the application of quick but strong pressure on a joint between two bones in the spine (called vertebrae). The pressure twists or rotates the joint beyond its normal range of motion and causes a sharp, cracking noise. That distinctive noise is believed to be caused by the breaking of a vacuum or the release of a bubble into the synovial fluid – the clear, thick fluid that lubricates the spinal and other joints.

Chiropractic care now also includes a wide variety of other treatments. For example, a chiropractor may provide exercise education. Or he or she may provide ergonomic training. This teaches you how to walk, sit and stand in a way that limits back strain.

The ultimate goal of chiropractic is to relieve pain and help patients better manage their condition at home. Chiropractors often work together with primary care doctors and pain experts.

Studies have looked at the effectiveness of chiropractic to treat a variety of problems and conditions. A recent review concluded that spinal manipulation may be helpful for back pain, migraine headaches, neck pain and whiplash. But the evidence did not support the usefulness of chiropractic for asthma, hypertension, sciatica or menstrual pain.