Over the last decade there’s been considerable controversy over whether or not spinal manipulations are effective for low back or neck pain compared to the small risks involved. There are two considerations that are debated, one thing whether or not manipulations are actually effective or not and the other is whether or not they are actually dangerous.

With regards to low back pain, research that was produced over a decade ago showed that chiropractic manipulation does provide a benefit for the management of acute low back pain, but not large benefit for chronic low back pain.

This was the research that  prompted most insurance companies to start covering chiropractic manipulation. Due to this enhanced coverage, chiropractic treatment in the United States blossomed considerably over the past 10 years. At any one point in time, approximately 12% of the US population is under the care of a chiropractor. This may be a Chandler chiropractor or at any clinic around the country.

The biggest controversy is with spinal manipulation of the neck. The concern over cervical spine manipulation is that there are reports showing it can lead to neurologic injury and possibly stroke. This is highly debated on both sides, with no clear cut evidence being available.

It appears that with the research available, the risk of sustaining a stroke or neurologic injury from a neck manipulation is approximately 1 in 1,000,000 to 2,000,000. This risk is exceptionally low, and supporters of chiropractic manipulation in the neck believe that those who have complication already had a predisposing condition such as vascular blockage of the carotid arteries.

Every few months, a new debate starts about this topic. Because of the fact the incidence is so low for complications, the benefits appear to outweigh the risks. But even though the risk is very low, the consequences of an injury can be devastating. The person who is the one in 1 million or two receives a lot press due to the severity of the results such as paralysis.

If you’re suffering from neck or back pain, chiropractic treatment can help you tremendously. In the state of Arizona, the best chiropractor Glendale AZ care is at Arizona Pain Specialists.

There are multiple locations around the valley serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Goodyear, Surprise, and more. Same-day  appointments are available with a chiropractor in Phoenix and surrounding areas and the practice does accept Personal Injury Liens.

Call (602) 507-6550 to schedule today!