It's Effective

A study published in the British Medical Journal observed that patients with pain seen by chiropractors were significantly better within six months and remained so during the two year follow up period compared to the patients seen by traditional outpatient hospital doctors. Chiropractic care was more effective and less expensive than traditional medical treatment. They also missed less time from work. This study involved 741 patients in a randomized, controlled clinical trial.

It's Safe

The New Zealand Government Commission’s report is one of the most detailed studies of chiropractic care. The study concludes: “Spinal manipulation therapy in the hands of a registered chiropractor is safe…and can be effective in relieving musculoskeletal symptoms.”

It's Affordable

A comprehensive study known as the Manga Report on the cost effectiveness of chiropractic was commissioned by the Ontario government. Researchers found that patients who receive chiropractic care, either solely or along with medical care, experienced “significantly lower health care costs.”

Dr Kirkaldy–Willis, a world renowned spinal researcher, suggests that the best way to care for a disc protrusion is to try conservative management techniques. He recommends chiropractic care, exercise and education. Cassidy JW, Kirkaldy-Willis WH, McGregor M. Spinal manipulation for the treatment of chronic low back and leg pain: Ch 9 in Empirical Approaches to the Validation of Spinal Manipulation.

Many studies have documented the effectiveness of chiropractic. However, the most convincing proof is that each day millions of people worldwide turn to chiropractic for their health care.

Research papers

There are numerous good quality research papers on the effectiveness of spinal manipulation. Here are some links:

Primary care

Click here to download.

European guidelines

Click here to download.

Evidence for chiropractic care

There is a range of evidence demonstrating that chiropractic care is effective for low back pain. Summaries of some of the most significant evidence, with links to the detailed documents and articles, are provided below. For evidence that chiropractic is effective for other musculoskeletal conditions, please click here.