Low Back Pain

About 85% of the population will experience disabling low back pain at least once during their lives. Low back pain is so widespread that according to one researcher, 6.8% of the US adult population is currently suffering from an episode of back pain lasting more than two weeks. The estimated cost of this problem in the US is over $50 billion a year.

Scientific studies comparing chiropractic care with medical care and physical therapy show that chiropractic treatment relieves chronic and severe pain, both immediate and long-term, in one-half the time it takes orthodox medical physicians. More than 60 scientific studies demonstrate the value of manipulation as the most effective and cost-effective form of treatment for dysfunctional problems in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spines.

The Medical and Surgical Approach
The standard medical approach to back pain varies depending on the severity of the condition. Common approaches include the use of muscle relaxants, painkillers, rest and physical therapy such as traction, diathermy, hot packs and cold packs. Unfortunately, none of these treatments have proven to be helpful. If the problem does not improve or worsens, then surgery may be performed. Studies have shown that chiropractic methods work better, are safer and are less costly than standard medicine for lower back complaints.

The medical approach is at times necessary - even back surgery has a place. However, some studies find that most spinal surgery for acute lower back problems should not have been performed. Many people who have had back surgery report a recurrence of their symptoms within a year or two of the operation and may return to the operating table. Although some successes result in long-term relief, in some cases the surgery makes no difference whatsoever.

The Chiropractic Approach
Dr. Anselmi has helped countless people with low back problems, often saving them from pain, disability, drugs and surgery. The goal of Dr. Anselmi's chiropractic care is to make your spine and its nerves, discs and muscles healthier, stronger and more stable by correcting your Vertebral Subluxations [LINK]. Treatment for back problems caused by Vertebral Subluxations can make the difference between a life of ease, health and comfort or a life of pain, disease and disability.

Government Studies
Major government studies from the US and Canada have reaffirmed what chiropractic patients have known for years - chiropractic treatment for low back pain is safer and more effective than drugs or surgery.

United States
In 1994, the United States federal government sent shockwaves throughout the health care system when a definitive public pronouncement established chiropractic as one of the preferred and most effective methods of care for acute adult low back pain. A panel of medical experts spent more than 2 years reviewing nearly 4,000 studies and reported that expensive tests, such as MRIs and CAT scans, and therapies typically used to diagnose and treat acute lower back pain, including ice, heat, message and diathermy, are largely useless. Instead, the experts recommended the non-drug chiropractic approach. The panel also revealed that extended bed rest was harmful, and that muscle relaxants and surgery can be unnecessary and, in some cases, harmful. As stated by Dr. Gerard W. Clum, President of Life Chiropractic College-West, "The Guideline...clearly establishes spinal manipulation as the only recommended intervention whose benefits include symptomatic relief and functional improvement."

Canada
The Manga Report was commissioned by the government of Ontario in Canada. Leading economists found that chiropractic care for patients with low back pain is superior to medical care in terms of safety, scientific evidence of effectiveness, cost and patient satisfaction. As the report stated, "the higher satisfaction levels expressed by patients of chiropractors...offers an overwhelming case in favour of much greater use of chiropractic services in the management of low-back pain. ?There should be a shift in policy to encourage and prefer chiropractic services for most patients with low back pain...a very good case can be made for making chiropractors the gatekeepers for management of low-back pain in the workers compensation system."