A recent study of 366 patients showed that cervical (neck) manipulation by chiropractors caused significant adverse effects (Spine. 2005;30:1477-1484).? The article was mentioned in a write-up about making better decisions about patient care with neck pain.? The upshot of the study was that neck pain is treated with a lower number of side effects when less force is used in the treatment.? Duh! What a huge surprise.? Not only that, but the doctors of Chiropractic (DC's)?that were in the study were HMO employees.? these are not always the most consumer-friendly practitioners.? I believe that the very best practitioners work in private practice settings and rely very little on insurance companies to funnel patients to their practice.
?
This study is typical of the weakness of standard "double-blind" scientific studies to investigate the creative and right-brain side of healing.? I know many doctors that do manipulative treatment on very severely injured patients without creating anywhere near the side effects of medications for the same problems.? I will take my chances with the occasional soreness in the neck when compared to the potential side effects of?mild pain relievers.? Acetaminophen can cause liver failure.? Aspirin can cause bleeding and interact with other drugs to create a life-threatening situation.? Narcotics have their own well-known list of complications and we don't even need to begin talking about the troubles with the new arthritis drugs that have been pulled from the market because of heart attack risk and blood clotting problems.
?
Let's face it.? Chiropractic may be imperfect and even a little bit uncomfortable for a little while but if it relieves neck pain.......... why not try it?? I personally prefer Osteopathic manipulation when I can find a skilled Doctor of Osteopathy.? They're not as easy to locate as a chiropractor for most folks.? I don't think manipulation is nearly as dangerous or complicated as this article would suggest.? In the hands of a skilled and experienced practitioner manipulation can be a wonderful experience that creates immediate relief of all kinds of pain and stiffness.? Side effects are few when the techniques are done with skill and wisdom.? When you're looking for pain relief you need to go with your best judgment and trust the hands that work on your body.? Beyond that, just enjoy the treatment.? I find it very enjoyable myself!
