Most Extensive Study on Neck Pain Dispels Myths and Supports Chiropractic Care

In a release published on May 7, 2008 in the Park Forest Illinois online publication, ENews, the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (www.F4CP.org) cited a neck pain study to help dispel common myths.  The release started by noting, "Results of the most significant study on neck pain to date, conducted by The Bone and Joint Decade's Neck Pain Task Force and reported in the journal SPINE (1/18/08), uncover prevailing fallacies in the diagnosis and treatment of neck pain."  The ENews article pointed out that the United Nations and the World Health Organization have designated the years 2000 to 2010 as the "Decade of the Bone and Joint."

According to the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress the findings result from a six-year review of more than 31,000 research citations with subsequent analysis of over 1,000 studies. The Foundation notes that the multi-disciplinary report, involved people from 19 areas of study and from eight collaborating universities in four countries. They state that this study is widely regarded as one of the most extensive reports on the subject of neck pain ever developed, and it offers the most current perspective on the scientific evidence related to the care and management of neck pain.  One of the key findings was that "the use of highly invasive practices such as surgery are not indicated when addressing the most common examples of neck pain."

Gerard W. Clum, D.C., president of California-based Life Chiropractic College West and speaking on behalf of the not-for-profit Foundation commented, "This study validates that interventions such as spinal manipulation or spinal adjusting that promote regaining function and a return-to-work are more beneficial than usual care, sham or alternative interventions."

Dr. Clum also noted how common neck problems are, "A pain in the neck is a common adage for a good reason- - it is a widespread, annoying, aggravating and disabling problem affecting up to 70 percent of the population annually." He continued, "While this type of condition does not carry the life-or-death reality of a heart attack or cancer, it often undermines a person's quality of life over decades. People often say that time heals all wounds, but neck pain may be an exception that does not resolve well over time. In fact, it tends to worsen over time unless addressed effectively and efficiently."

"This authoritative study offers health care professionals--including primary care physicians, surgeons, chiropractors, physical therapists and others--a thoroughly documented overview of the strategies that have been established in the scientific literature to address neck pain," says Dr. Clum. He concluded his remarks by saying, "From my vantage point as a chiropractor, their recommendations greatly support the approach and forms of care provided by chiropractors, especially spinal adjustments that have been central to the practice of chiropractic."

Share This Article