Results of a new study are published in the Jan. 3 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine show that spinal manipulation and home exercise are more effective at relieving neck pain in the long term than medications! People undergoing spinal manipulation therapy for neck pain also reported greater satisfaction than people receiving medication or doing home exercises.
“We found that there are some viable treatment options for neck pain,” said Gert Bronfort, vice president of research at the Wolfe-Harris Center for Clinical Studies at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, MN. “What we don’t really know yet is how to individualize these treatments for each particular patient. All are probably still viable treatment options, but what we don’t know is what each particular patient will need,” Bronfort said, adding that it’s possible a combination of treatments might be helpful, too.
So many of my friends suffer from neck pain. About three-quarters of adults report having neck pain at some point in their lives, according to background information in the study. Neck pain is responsible for millions of healthcare visits each year, and it can have a negative impact on quality of life.
Spinal manipulation is one type of treatment that’s offered for neck pain, and it can be administered by chiropractors, physical therapists, osteopaths and other healthcare providers, according to the study. But, there isn’t much evidence for treating neck pain with spinal manipulation. There also isn’t a great deal of information on how effective medications or home exercise programs are for treating neck pain, the researchers noted.
Our favorite local (in Charlotte, NC) wellness practitioner is Dr. Matthew McAlees! He is a maximized living doctor who focuses on the 5 essentials of health: Maximized Mind, Maximized Nerve Supply, Maximized Quality Nutrients, Maximized Oxygen and Lean Muscles, and Minimized Toxins. Read his blog and follow his health tips, or better yet, go see him for your very own journey to health! He can not only help your neck pain, but guide you to a whole life of wellness. www.askdrmatthew.com.

Leave a Reply