Research

Research Excellence in Chiropractic

Research in chiropractic science is booming in Quebec and the rest of Canada, and throughout the world.

The development of knowledge in neuromusculoskeletal (NMS) health and the ongoing publication of research findings in the field of joint manipulation impact chiropractors’ practice on a daily basis. Evidence-based practice, as proposed by the Canadian Chiropractic Guideline Initiative, requires a balance among the following three elements:

  • Chiropractors’ experience and competence
  • Best available scientific data
  • Patients’ choices and values

Many chiropractic research programs and chairs established in several Canadian universities promote the scientific advancement of the profession of chiropractor, providing a definite health benefit for Quebecers.

To learn more about chiropractic research development, visit:

chiropractic.ca wfcsuggestedreadinglist.com

The Health Benefits of Chiropractic

Chiropractic care has been scientifically shown to treat many conditions, including lumbar (lower back) pain, disc herniation, headaches, cervical (neck) pain and shoulder pain. Moreover, studies have demonstrated the safety of chiropractic care.

Advances in chiropractic research in the past 15 years have made it possible to better understand the mechanisms on which the effectiveness of chiropractic care is based. Through basic research, the scientific community is able to conduct rigorously methodological clinical studies.

The following are a few examples of the studies conducted:

Lumbar (lower back) pain

A systematic review of randomized clinical trials aimed at comparing the effectiveness of chiropractic care with that of care provided by other healthcare professionals in the treatment of lumbar pain concluded that the effectiveness of chiropractic care is comparable to that of medical care and physiotherapy:

Sciatica and disc herniation

A recent cohort study revealed that patients with symptomatic lumbar disc herniation showed similar results when treated with spinal manipulations or nerve root injections. Although more in-depth studies are required, these results are promising:

Cervical pain

Spinal manipulations are among the therapeutic recommendations for the relief of cervical pain:

Headaches and migraines

A systematic review of conclusive research data establishes the clinical effectiveness of manual therapies administered by chiropractors in the treatment of headaches of cervical origin:

Shoulder pain

Systematic reviews of conclusive research data establish the effectiveness of manual therapies administered by chiropractors in the treatment of shoulder pain: