For years, chiropractors have treated back pain patients as well as, if not superior to, other healthcare professions.
In fact, all of the guidelines published around the world have recommended manipulative care as an initial or first step for the treatment of low back pain and, more recently, neck pain.
So why are there still some people who say things like, "I don't believe in chiropractic," "I'm not sure if that works," or "If my MD recommends it, maybe I'll think about it?"
Almost everyone has (or will have) to deal with a sore back that demands some form of treatment. Statistics indicate low back pain affects over 80% of the general population at some time in their lives. Of that number, about 25% seek chiropractic care initially.
So, let's look at the evidence that supports chiropractic care. Are those who seek chiropractic care truly satisfied? You be the judge!
1. Consumer Reports – May 2009
A study in the May issue of Consumer Reports showed hands-on therapies were among the best treatments for relief of back pain. The study surveyed more than 14,000 consumers. The report stated that 88% of those who tried chiropractic manipulation said it helped a lot, and 59% were completely or very satisfied with their chiropractor.
2. Military Medicine – June 2006
A Canadian Armed Forces pilot project reported that 94.2% of military personnel and 80% of referring physicians expressed satisfaction with chiropractic services.
3. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics – July 2006
This study found that 83% of patients were satisfied or better with chiropractic care, while less than 10% were dissatisfied.
4. Symptomatic Outcomes and Perceived Satisfaction Levels of Chiropractic Patients with Acute Neck Pain
Patients improved from an average pain level of 7.6 before treatment to 1.9 after treatment. Overall patient satisfaction was 94%.
5. Patient Satisfaction with Chiropractic Physicians in an Independent Physicians' Association
This study found that 95.5% of patients said they would definitely recommend their chiropractor to others.
6. RAND Corporation Study – 1994
For overall care, 92% of patients rated chiropractic as either excellent or the best. Patients most appreciated courtesy, respect, listening, and concern.
7. Patient Satisfaction with the Chiropractic Clinical Encounter
The majority of patients reported that their chiropractor listened carefully, explained things clearly, and involved them in decisions.
8. West Journal of Medicine – 1989
Patients of chiropractors were three times more likely than patients of family physicians to say they were very satisfied with the care they received for low back pain.
