Neck pain is a problem that will affect over 70% of Tulsans at some point in their lives. A new study shows chiropractic gives more relief for neck pain than medication or exercise. In the study, chiropractic treatment was over 2 times more effective than medication, and exercise came in a close second. The benefits of the chiropractic treatment were noted even a year later when researchers checked back with the groups: 53% of the people who had chiropractic care still reported a 75% reduction in pain compared to only 38% of those who were taking medication. They further elaborated that the medication group kept using a higher amount of medication more frequently throughout the follow-up period up to a year later. In this study the patients who received chiropractic treatment seemed to require the least amount of treatment with patients averaging only 15 treatments whereas the treatment for exercise was a regimen of 5-10 repetitions of seven different exercises to be performed in 6-8 sessions every day.
Dr. Lee Green, professor of Family Medicine, told ABC News. "Neck pain is a mechanical problem and it makes sense that mechanical treatment works better than a chemical one."
As a practicing Tulsa Chiropractor it is extremely important to recognize the benefits of each of these different treatments. When you combine chiropractic treatment of the spine itself, not only achieve relief of pain but to repair the spine and restore its normal joint function,and the benefits of stretching and strengthening the muscles, tendons and ligaments that support the spine, you have an incredible 1-2 punch in the treatment of either acute or chronic neck pain.