A new study led by University Hospitals Connor Whole Health found that adults with newly diagnosed low back pain who initially received spinal manipulative therapy administered by a chiropractor were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with opioid use disorder over a two-year follow-up, compared to those prescribed ibuprofen.

The study focused on opioid-naïve adults aged 18 and older with a new episode of low back pain. Patients were sorted into two cohorts based on the initial care received for low back pain: those receiving spinal manipulative therapy administered by chiropractors and those prescribed ibuprofen without spinal manipulative therapy. A statistical technique called propensity score matching was used to balance the groups on demographics, and risk factors for opioid use disorder such as mood disorders, substance use history, and other factors.

“At UH Connor Whole Health, we continue to study the impact of non-pharmacological treatments to reduce the use of opioids for common pain conditions,” said kristi Artz, MD, MS, FAClM, vice President of UH Connor Whole Health.
According to Roshini Srinivasan, MD, co-author and resident physician at Duke University Hospital, “It is equally encouraging and exciting to demonstrate a growing evidence base for chiropractic care contributing potential solutions to pain in the context of the opioid epidemic.”

The researchers emphasized that the findings corroborate clinical guidelines from organizations like the American College of Physicians and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, which recommend front-line non-pharmacologic options such as spinal manipulative therapy for low back pain.

Presented as a service to the community by: Union County Chiropractic Clinic, 110 Skyline Drive, Maynardville, TN (865) 992-7000 www.unioncountychiropractic.com