Belfast Chiropractor Research Update August 2017

A recent Danish study of 1271 patients with lower back pain concluded that patients with lower back and leg pain will have a worse prognosis than patients with lower back pain alone.

The outcomes of the first 2 weeks of Chiropractic treatment varied depending on how far the pain had initially spread down the leg.

Lower back pain only - (77% of patients improved after 2 weeks of Chiropractic)

Lower back pain + pain above the knee - (72 % improved after 2 weeks of Chiropractic)

Lower back pain + pain below the knee - (61% improved after 2 weeks of Chiropractic)

Lower back pain + positive nerve tension test (SLR) or abnormal neuro findings -  (40% improved after 2 weeks of Chiropractic)

As expected, average outcomes for Chiropractic patients, regardless of pain location were significantly better than those of patients who were only under the care of their GP’s.

At 2 weeks (74% improved with Chiropractic vs 36% improved with GP).

At 3 months (82% improved with Chiropractic vs. 60% improved with GP). 

Hartvigsen L, Hestbaek L, Lebouef-Yde C, Vach W, Kongsted A. Leg pain location and neurological signs relate to outcomes in primary care patients with low back pain. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2017;18:133. doi:10.1186/s12891-017-1495-3.