A systematic review that included ten studies concluded that long-axis distraction, mobilization, and thrust manipulation—treatments provided by doctors of chiropractic—are effective interventions for reducing pain and range of hip motion in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip. Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, December 2022

Among a group of 27 collegiate dancers, researchers found that those with greater spinal curvature in the lower back (lumbar lordosis) and lower core muscle endurance were more likely to develop low back pain during a four-month time frame. Doctors of chiropractic commonly address abnormal posture and core muscle weakness when managing patients with low…

In this study, researchers observed that patients under treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee with co-occurring lumbar spinal stenosis experienced slower improvement with respect to knee pain than participants without a lumbar spine condition. The findings highlight the importance of examining the whole patient to identify issues outside the area of chief complaint that may…

A systematic review and meta-analysis of data from 119 studies concluded that a combination of active and/or passive non-pharmacological interventions— such as those provided by a doctor of chiropractic—is an effective approach for the management of non-specific chronic neck pain. Journal of Physical Therapy, October 2022

A recent study found that a third of high school athletes who experience a sport-related collision report acute neck pain, and these individuals tend to experience more concussion-related symptoms. The authors conclude that concussed athletes with neck pain should be screened for injury to the neck. Doctors of chiropractic are trained to assess patients with…

According to a study the included 32 patients with low back pain, a treatment plan that includes stabilization exercises, patient education, and manual therapies—an approach commonly used by doctors of chiropractic—is effective for improving range of motion in lumbar spine and reducing low back-related pain, pain sensitivity, and disability. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation,…

A systematic review and meta-analysis that included 13 studies concluded that the combination of exercise therapy and manual therapy—an approach commonly used by doctors of chiropractic—is effective for managing dizziness that originates from dysfunction in the cervical spine. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, October 2022

A systematic review that included 30 randomized-controlled trials concluded that manual therapies—such as spinal manipulation, the primary form of treatment used by doctors of chiropractic—are an effective treatment option for patients with non-specific low back pain, or low back pain with no underlying disease or pathology, like an infection or osteoporotic fracture. Cureus, August 2022

For patients with post-operative elbow stiffness, a recent study found that both instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and muscle energy technique are effective interventions for improving pain intensity, range of motion, and function. Doctors of chiropractic utilize these and other manual therapies when managing musculoskeletal disorders of the elbow and other areas of the body. Journal…

A systematic review of data from three randomized-controlled studies concluded that a combination of manual therapies and specific exercises is more effective for improving range of motion, pain, and function in patients with an acute lateral ankle sprain than specific exercises alone. Doctors of chiropractic often use such an approach when managing an acute lateral…