Are you reaching for the muscle relaxants for back pain? Most Americans experience low back pain during their lifetime. Nearly 20% have back pain every year. Studies are starting to show what are the most effective treatments. An important study compared the results of chiropractic adjustments, placebo and muscle relaxants for back pain.
192 people with uncomplicated low back pain for 2 to 6 weeks, between the ages of 21 and 59 years old were part of the study. Patients were evaluated with chiropractic exam and xrays. Pain ratings were taken at the initial exam and follow up visits at 2 and 4 weeks. Those who had contra-indications to adjusting were removed from the study.
Patients were assigned into 3 different groups:
- Chiropractic plus a placebo pill
- Muscle relaxers for back pain plus sham adjustments
- Control group of placebo pill plus sham adjustments
If subjects needed to take aspirin during the study it was noted which ones needed to self medicate.
Over a 2 week period the chiropractic group received 7 treatment visits.
It was noted during the study that even though it was a double blind study that the patients that received the true chiropractic and medical treatments believed they were getting real treatments versus those in the placebo group that felt they weren’t being treated. It’s quite possible it’s because this group wasn’t noticing relief of their pain.
Pain was reduced in all groups but it was found that the chiropractic group overall started with a higher baseline pain rating yet after treatment their scores were noticeably lower than the other groups. This shows the chiropractic subjects had more impressive relief of their back pain. Disability improved for all groups but most significant in the chiropractic group also.
The most improvement seen through physician assessment (GIS) also showed the chiropractic group improved the most over muscle relaxants for back pain. It was concluded by the authors, “Chiropractic was more beneficial than placebo in reducing pain and more beneficial than either placebo or muscle relaxants in reducing GIS.”
It’s important for people to know that Chiropractic is better than muscle relaxants for back pain. Chiropractic is a natural treatment without the risks of side effects that muscle relaxants also carry. Another benefit is the cost effectiveness rather than relying on taking medications for extended periods of times.
If you are suffering with back pain, make sure to choose the most optimal treatment that can get you back to enjoying your daily activities again. Chiropractic time and time again is showing to be the best form of treatment for your lower back pain!