Neck pain is common and affects 70% of the population. It can interfere with activities and be disabling. Many resort to taking pain medication; however this may have undesirable side effects. Others with neck pain seek care from chiropractic physicians.
A study published in the January 3, 2012 Annals of Internal Medicine, evaluated the effectiveness of chiropractic spinal manipulation compared to medication, and home exercise with advice. 272 patients with acute and subacute neck pain were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of spinal manipulation, medication or home exercise with advice. The study found that spinal manipulation and home exercise with advice were more effective than medication for both acute and sub-acute neck pain and the benefits were maintained for as long as 52 weeks after treatment.
Today's Doctor of Chiropractic serves a vital role within mainstream healthcare as a non-surgical spine care physician. The West Hartford Group encourages today's chiropractic physicians to dedicate themselves to best practices, clinical excellence, intellectual honesty, professional integrity, ethical practice and the delivery of patient-centered, patient-safe, and evidence-influenced care.
The West Harftord Group is neither a political nor service organization but is a think-tank that has advanced the model of the chiropractic physician as society's spinal health care expert. This model is consistent with the World Federation of Chiropractic and the Chiropractic Strategic Planning Conference.
The West Hartford Group has produced a public service announcement on neck pain that can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V_maJkR4RQ