In a study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society of 5,589 U.S. adults aged 65 years and older, persistent pain was common and was linked to meaningful declines in physical function and well-being over seven years.

Scientists have been studying the effectiveness of chiropractic care for various types of pain for many years. The most promising research is in the area of low back pain. The research has shown spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) is as effective as other common therapies, like exercise therapy, standard medical care, or physiotherapy.

Systematic reviews have shown that chiropractic therapy significantly reduces chronic low back pain and disability compared with other active therapies for at least six months. Chiropractic care has been shown to be effective for acute and chronic low back pain when used in conjunction with other interventions like self-management advice and exercise.

Low back pain isn’t the only type of pain for which chiropractic therapy is effective. Some reviews have found that chiropractic care improves episodic and chronic migraines and cervicogenic headaches (pain on side of your head or face), and it may reduce migraine pain and frequency.

There’s also some evidence for chiropractic care to treat neck pain. One study found that SMT is more effective than medication in both the short and long term to treat acute and subacute pain, and a literature review found evidence that spinal manipulation provides short-term relief from acute or chronic neck pain. Additional research suggests spinal manipulation may help with sciatica (pain associated with the sciatic nerve).

If you seek relief from chronic pain, consider making an appointment with a chiropractor.

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