What chiropractors can help with – and what patients should know
They advertise their services for a wide range of conditions – only some of which are backed by evidence.
Chiropractors often provide services for a diverse range of conditions, but the scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness varies. Some treatments are backed by research, while others lack solid backing. The profession has evolved from its controversial beginnings, where founder DD Palmer claimed to cure a janitor's deafness in the late 1800s.
Today, roughly 11% of adults in the US sought chiropractic care in 2022, primarily for pain management. Many insurers cover chiropractic services, including adjustments, nutrition counseling, and X-rays. The risks of side effects are generally low, but fractures or serious complications are rare, occurring in about 1 per 2 million manipulations.
Chiropractic adjustments for lower back pain are often recommended as a first-line treatment, according to guidelines from the World Health Organization and the Department of Veterans Affairs. However, evidence supporting their use for neck pain is less robust. Some doctors advise against adjusting the neck due to the risk of arterial dissection, which can lead to stroke or death.
Despite this, many chiropractors provide care based on scientific research and evidence-based treatments. Skeptics have raised concerns about the potential for physical harm and the presence of anti-vaccine sentiments among some practitioners. If seeking evidence-based chiropractic care, it's advisable to scrutinize the claims made by providers to ensure they align with scientific principles and avoid unproven treatments.
Written by urgent.news from Channel News Asia's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
