Chiropractic Research
Chiropractic research at University Hospitals Connor Whole Health has focused on real-world outcomes, safety, and risk of adverse events related to chiropractic care, as well as the integration of chiropractic into large healthcare settings. Studies have focused on the benefits of chiropractic care among patients dealing with lower back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Additional research has also examined the association between chiropractic care and the likelihood of being prescribed pain medications.
Several observational studies have been conducted investigating the impact of spinal manipulation on health service utilization and treatment outcomes.
Link Between Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation and Cauda Equina Syndrome Risk
Robert Trager, DC, in collaboration with researchers from Duke University, studied whether chiropractic spinal manipulation increased the risk for cauda equina syndrome (CES), a rare, but serious lower back pain condition that requires emergency surgery. The retrospective study analyzed the medical records for more than 130,000 adult patients who received either chiropractic spinal manipulation or physical therapy evaluation for low back pain.
The researchers concluded that chiropractic spinal manipulation was not a risk factor for CES, suggesting some patients may have a greater risk of developing CES independent of treatment approach. PLOS One on March 11, 2024.
Potential Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Lumbar Disc Herniation
A study by UH Connor Whole Health researchers highlighted potential benefits of chiropractic care for adults with lumbar disc herniation and radiculopathy (i.e., sciatica). Researchers found that adults receiving chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy (CSMT) were significantly less likely to undergo disc surgery over a two-year follow-up period compared to matched controls. BMJ Open in 2022
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Adults with Sciatica
A study conducted by researchers at UH Connor Whole Health sheds light on potential benefits of chiropractic care for adults with radicular low back pain (i.e., sciatica). The researchers found that patients who received CSMT had significantly reduced odds of being prescribed gabapentin over a one-year period compared to those who did not receive CSMT. BMJ Open in 2023
Chiropractic Care and Its Impact on Gabapentin Prescriptions for Radicular Low Back Pain
In another study, UH Connor Whole Health researchers hypothesized that adults under 50 years of age receiving CSMT for newly diagnosed radicular low back pain would have reduced odds of being prescribed gabapentin over a one-year follow-up period. The CSMT cohort had significantly lower odds of receiving a gabapentin prescription compared to the usual medical care cohort. The odds ratio was 0.53 (p<0.0001), indicating a meaningful reduction in gabapentin use among patients who received chiropractic care for radicular low back pain.
Efficacy of Manual Therapy for Sacroiliac Joint Pain Syndrome (SIJPS)
A study led by Robert Trager, DC, involved systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the efficacy of manual therapy for sacroiliac joint pain syndrome (SIJPS). Dr. Trager and his team concluded SIJPS was efficacious for improving disability in adults with SIJPS, though its effectiveness in pain management was unclear. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy.