A new study led by researchers at University Hospitals Connor Whole Health found that adults with newly diagnosed sciatica who initially received chiropractic spinal manipulation (CSM) were significantly less likely to experience opioid-related adverse drug events (ORADES) such as overdose and poisoning over a one-year follow-up, compared to those receiving usual medical care. The study highlights the value of CSM as a potential opioid- sparing approach in the management of sciatica, a low back disorder characterized by radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the leg due to a compressed nerve root.

“In light of the ongoing opioid crisis, these findings underscore the importance of offering evidence-based non-pharmacological alternatives for pain management,” said Dr. Françoise Adan, Chief Whole Health and Well-Being Officer and Director of UH Connor Whole Health.

Published in PLOS One, this retrospective cohort study used data from the TriNetX Diamond Network, including over 744,000 patients. The researchers found that only 0.09% of patients in the CSM cohort experienced an ORADE within a year, compared to 0.30% in the usual medical care cohort. This translated to a risk ratio of 0.29, meaning CSM recipients were 71% less likely to have an ORADE. Additionally, CSM recipients were also 32% less likely to be prescribed oral opioids.

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