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Chiropractic Care Improves Mobility and Reduces Pain in Chronic Lower Back Patients

Participants receiving chiropractic adjustments experienced significantly improved spinal range of motion and reduced pain over a six-week treatment period compared to physiotherapy alone. The study concludes that spinal manipulation can be an effective component of multidisciplinary care for chronic back pain.

Original Study Title:

Effect of Spinal Manipulation on Functional Mobility in Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain

Authors:

Smith J, Brown L, Kaur R, et al.

Journal:

Journal of Musculoskeletal Science

Publication Year:

2024
Smith J, Brown L, Kaur R, et al. (2024). Effect of Spinal Manipulation on Functional Mobility in Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain. Journal of Musculoskeletal Science, 12(4), 233–240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jms.2024.001

Overview

A recent clinical trial published in the Journal of Musculoskeletal Science found that regular chiropractic spinal manipulation can lead to significant improvements in mobility and pain reduction for adults with chronic lower back pain.
The study followed 85 participants over six weeks and compared outcomes between those receiving standard physiotherapy and those receiving chiropractic adjustments.

Key Findings

  • Chiropractic patients reported 18% greater improvement in mobility compared to physiotherapy alone.
  • Average reported pain levels decreased by 2.3 points on the 10-point scale.
  • No adverse events were reported, supporting the safety of chiropractic intervention for chronic conditions.

Clinical Perspective

From a practitioner standpoint, this research reinforces the importance of regular, gentle adjustments as part of a holistic recovery plan.
In our experience, consistent care helps improve movement patterns, reduces compensatory tension, and supports long-term spinal stability — aligning with the study’s conclusions.

Practical Takeaway

Patients experiencing ongoing stiffness or pain should not view chiropractic as a one-off solution, but rather as an ongoing part of their functional recovery and postural health program.

The information on this page summarises independent, peer-reviewed research conducted by external scientists. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not imply that chiropractic care treats or cures any medical condition. Chiropractic services at this clinic are provided within the scope of practice defined by the Chiropractic Board of New Zealand.