A new study has found that adults initially receiving chiropractic spinal manipulation for newly diagnosed radicular low back pain (sciatica) were significantly less likely to be prescribed Tramadol over the following year compared to those receiving usual medical care.

Tramadol is a synthetic opioid that has been increasingly prescribed for low back pain in the United States (U.S.) over the past decade. While Tramadol has a lower potency compared to other prescription opioids, it still carries risks of persistent use and adverse events.

While previous studies found a reduced likelihood of opioid prescription among those receiving chiropractic care, the present study is the first to focus specifically on Tramadol. The retrospective cohort study, published in BMJ Open, used data from over 2,300 patient records across multiple U.S. academic health centers. It included adults aged 18-50 with a new diagnosis of sciatica, which is characterized by radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the leg due to a compressed nerve root. The authors describe extensive efforts to account for differences between the chiropractic and non-chiropractic (usual medical care) cohorts. For example, the cohorts were similar with respect to age, sex, and several other factors.

“As our nation continues to grapple with the opioid crisis, this study reinforces the value of offering patients evidence-based non-pharmacological alternatives for pain management,” said Dr. Françoise Adan, director of UH Connor Whole Health.

Co-author and resident physician at Duke University Hospital, Roshini Srinivasan, MD, shared that “this work is particularly encouraging to clinicians as we continue to seek safe, effective therapies for conditions that can be complicated to manage, such as chronic low back pain and sciatica.”

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com