Objective and independent scientific research studies that compare the benefits of chiropractic treatment for low back pain to existing recommended medical treatment (such as physiotherapy and medication) have demonstrated that chiropractic treatment was more effective (both in the short and long term). These research studies were conducted by respected scientific institutions, for example; Prof. Meade et. al (1,2). Lawrence et. al.(3)

Meade found that ‘chiropractors received significantly superior results for back pain patients than did physical therapist.’

Lawrence’s review of research on chiropractic management of low back pain and related leg complaints (such as sciatica) confirmed:

1. 'There is evidence that high velocity, low amplitude adjustments (HVLA) [as performed by chiropractors] have "better short term efficacy than mobilization or diathermy". Mobilization and diathermy are common treatments used by physical therapy. 2. 'For (long term) chronic low-back pain, there is evidence that HVLA is better than physical therapy and home exercises and better than general medical care or placebo.'

Carey et. al (4) showed that medical doctors trained in postgraduate spinal manipulation proved unable to assess and treat back pain patients successfully.

A study published in the British Medical Journal conducted on physiotherapy at Warwick university concluded; ‘using physiotherapy to treat mild to moderate low back pain was a waste of money and time – it doesn’t make a difference’.(5)

Interestingly, ‘90% of back pain sufferers stop seeing their GP within three months – but most of them are still in pain a year later’. (Croft, Macfarlane et.al. Outcome of low back pain in general practice: a prospective study, BMJ 1998).

The Bone & Joint Decade task force report indicates that; “manual treatments such as spinal manipulation are supported by research as Safe, Effective and appropriate for most patients with neck pain (grade 1 and 2)”. Haldman et. al (6)

"Cervical spine manipulation and mobilization probably provide at least short-term benefits for some patients with neck pain and headaches." Hurwitz EL et al. 1996.

"Cervical spinal manipulation is effective for the treatment of cervico-genic headache and of tension-type headache." Evidence Report by the Duke University Evidence-based Practice Center, USA, 2000.

"Interventions that promote activity such as mobilization, manipulation, and exercise in combination with medication are effective on a time limited basis in the treatment of whiplash-associated disorders." Scientific Monograph of the Quebec Task Force on Whiplash-Associated Disorders, Canada, 1995

Some 85% of those people suffering from low back pain will experience recurrent episodes and suffer ‘cyclic back pain’. Andersson (7) This is because they do not receive quickly enough the appropriate care and treatment of their condition.

The CSAG (Clinical Standards Advisory Group) has concluded that 85% of the population will develop back pain of which 95% is mechanical in origin. Mechanical back pain responds well to chiropractic care.

Mechanical pain can be defined as ‘pain caused by an alteration of the normal biomechanics of the spine and pelvis’. Loss of movement is seen in the vertebral facet joints and Sacroiliac joints with inevitable sprain /strain of the overlying ligaments and muscles.

Among chronic disorders, lower back pain is the second greatest cause of visits to a physician, the fifth most frequent reason for hospitalisation and the third most common reason for surgery. Andersson (8)

Dolce and Raczynski(9) have demonstrated that back pain alone has a yearly average incidence of 50 out of 1000 workers, whilst a Dutch working population survey showed that for sedentary office workers the incidence of back problems was higher than the national average number of low back pain sufferers within the working population. Hilderbrandth H, et. al (10)

Interestingly, the incidence of back pain is only slightly less common in office workers than for industrial workers who are active throughout their day. Himmelstein and Andersson (11)

Despite better medical care, increasing exercise awareness and safer working environments, the incidence of back pain continues to increase. Research has demonstrated that 85 per cent of Americans experience low back pain by the time they are 50 years old.
Andersson et. al. (7) Andersson (12)


The vast majority of back pain is not caused by an identifiable event such as a fall. Researchers believe that the majority of back pain that appears to occur suddenly is actually the culminations of long term damage and the consequence of repetitive micro trauma of many, many years. Snook SH (13)