Well-Adjusted: The Chiropractor's Corner

Hippocrates, the "father of medicine," recommended manipulation of the spine for low back pain in the 5th century BCE. Together with some aspirin or ibuprofen, that's still the most effective treatment, new research concludes. Published in The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the study reviewed literature on treatments for lumbar degenerative disc disease, a common cause of low back pain. In most cases, the authors conclude, symptoms resolve when a healthcare provider, such as a chiropractor or physical therapist, physically manipulates the back and the patient takes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or a variety of prescription painkillers.

Also in the News:
Doctors, Chiropactors Omit Exercise for Pain: If you see a chiropractor or other specialist for chronic low back or neck pain, make sure he or she implements an exercise regime. Even though exercise relieves pain, health professionals rarely prescribe it, new research suggests.

Touch, Not Sight, Guides Masseuse: A blind masseuse relaxes patients before their chiropractic session at a chiropractic center in Flushing, Michigan.

Chiropractic on the Brain: Research emphasizes that abnormalities in the spine and nervous system may affect brain function, suggesting that chiropractic care may help conditions such as attention deficit disorder (ADD).

Beware Wii-Itis: Nintendo's Wii, the popular video game device, may be useful for fitness, but it can cause harm, says chiropractor Laura Godfrey. To avoid this, stretch before playing and avoid overuse.