Chiropractic Therapy More Effective than Physiotherapy or Drugs for Neck Pain

  Neck problems account for considerable pain and stiffness that can lead to secondary health conditions, work absenteeism and disability.  A study (randomized controlled trial) in the British Medical Journal examined and compared the effectiveness of three treatments: manual therapy (muscle / joint mobilization, coordination or stabilization), physiotherapy (mainly exercise) and general practitioner care (counseling, education and "analgesic" medication).

     In comparing 183 patients with neck pain of at least 2 weeks duration, manual therapy was the most effective of the three treatments.  After 7 weeks of treatment, the manual therapy group recovery rate was 68% as compared to 51% in the physiotherapy group and 36% in the general practitioner group.  These differences were significant at 6 month follow-up.

     Manual therapy proved significantly more cost effective than the other two interventions at one year, with total costs approximately one third the cost of physiotherapy or general practitioner care.


Thatcher Chiropractic is located at 3535 American Drive in Colorado Springs, Colorado near the intersection at Austin Bluffs Parkway and Academy Boulevard.  For more information you can visit our website at thatcherchiropractic.com.  If you have additional questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please feel free to contact us by phone.  You can reach us at (719) 574-3700.