Scientific research

If you are interested in scientific (background) information about chiropractic, the studies below will help you get started.

CHIROPRACTIC EFFECT

Chiropractic treatments have been found to be effective for a wide range of complaints. The list below provides a concise overview of complaints for which there is strong scientific evidence that chiropractic treatment is highly effective. For a more comprehensive overview, we would like to refer you to the website of the Dutch Chiropractors Association (NCA).

  • Acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain;
  • Migraine and cervicogenic headache;
  • Cervicogenic dizziness;
  • Acute and subacute neck pain;
  • Acute whiplash-related complaints and chronic neck pain, provided they are combined with exercises;
  • Extremity complaints such as:
    • patellofemoral pain syndrome
    • plantar fasciitis
    • shoulder girdle complaints
    • lateral epicondylitis.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CHIROPRACTIC ACCORDING TO THE UK EVIDENCE REPORT

The 2010 "UK Evidence Report" assesses the effectiveness of manual therapies, including chiropractic, for various conditions. Spinal manipulation and mobilization appear to be effective for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain, as well as for migraine and cervicogenic headache. Thoracic manipulation and mobilization are effective for neck pain, while manipulation and mobilization also have positive effects for joint disorders of the extremities. Most side effects of manual therapies are musculoskeletal, short-lived, and of mild to moderate severity. The study concludes that manual therapies, including chiropractic, are effective for specific musculoskeletal conditions, particularly low back pain, headache, and neck pain. The report emphasizes the importance of evidence-based care and the role of chiropractic as an effective treatment option for certain conditions. (Bronfort et al. (2010) Effectiveness of manual therapies: the UK evidence report. Chiropr Osteopat.)

CHIROPRACTIC: A COST-EFFECTIVE CHOICE FOR SPINAL PAIN

A 2024 systematic review highlights the cost-effectiveness of chiropractic for spinal musculoskeletal pain. Patients who choose chiropractic as their first-line care option experience significantly lower healthcare costs due to reduced use of expensive interventions such as surgery, opioids, hospital admissions, and specialist referrals. This underscores the value of chiropractic as an affordable and effective alternative to traditional medical treatments. While further research is encouraged, the findings suggest that chiropractic not only helps patients but also contributes to cost savings in healthcare. (Farabaugh et al. (2024), Chiropractic & Manual Therapies)

Colleague Sidney Ruinstein is affiliated as an adjunct professor at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He has more than 100 publications to his name. More info about Sidney: https://research.vu.nl/en/persons/sidney-rubinstein-2/

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