Low back pain is a very common and disabling disorder. There are hundreds of treatments for back pain but none is ideal. Over the past few years, many doctors and alternative health care workers have been offering spinal manipulation therapies or “hands-on treatments” for the spine. This basically consists of manipulation and mobilization of the back joints. The manipulations are carried in certain directions and the often the joints are “cracked.” These treatments are undertaken for many weeks and months and are quite expensive. By the end of 3-6 months, you will most likely have spent anywhere from $3,000-$8,000 for the treatments. So does the therapy work?
Analysis of data done by Cochrane reviews revealed that spinal manipulation therapy was no better than physical therapy or regular exercise. So what does this mean to the consumer?
If you have money to spend, then perhaps you may want to start with a physical therapy program. If you have no money, then you can obtain the same benefit by doing exercise at home or at the gym. The type of exercises to help increase muscle strength and mobility can be obtained from cyberspace for free. If you do not have internet, swimming and walking will do the trick.
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