Alternative therapies, are they really safe? Alternative therapies were not always considered “alternative”, for thousands of years they were the contemporary medicine of the time. They did not start to be considered alternative until Hippocrates came along in came along in 430 BC to become the father of medicine. In all honesty these alternative therapies continued long after the death of Hippocrates in 370 BC and remained the contemporary treatment plan until the modern era of medicine. The same alternative methods are alive and well today and are beginning to be accepted as viable treatment options once again by the public.
Chiropractic is the most well known of the alternative therapies available today with more and more people turning to it every day. One question that has plagued those who would like to step away from our invasive procedure and drug based contemporary medical treatments is…Is chiropractic treatment safe?
A number of independent researchers and even government agencies have conducted studies focusing on that very question. You can read some of their findings below.
- U.S. Agency for Health Care and Research (AHCPR)In its 1994 study the AHCPR and the Department of Health and Human Services concluded and endorsed spinal manipulation for low back pain in its Clinical Guideline #14. It is further stated that that “relief and discomfort of the low back pain can be accomplished most safely with spinal manipulation.”
- The New Zealand Commission ReportA significant chiropractic study was conducted from 1978 – 1980 by the New Zealand Commission of Inquiry. The commission found that “with complete unanimity drawn to the conclusion that modern chiropractic is a soundly-based and valuable branch of health care” and went on to say that “spinal manual therapy in the hands of a registered chiropractor is safe.”
- 1990 British Medical JournalThe study conducted by Dr. T.W. Meade concluded that “after 2 years of monitoring patients with low back pain chiropractic almost certainly confers worthwhile, long-term benefit in comparison with hospital outpatient management.”
- Florida Worker’s Compensation StudyThe state of Florida concluded that claimants with back injuries when treated by a chiropractor versus a medical doctor were les likely to become temporarily disabled, remained disabled for a shorter period of time, and that those treated by medical doctors were hospitalized at a much higher rated than those treated by chiropractors.
So to answer the question of safety in alternative treatment from chiropractors one would have to conclude that these treatments are indeed safe. There are many more studies by government agencies and independent surveys and studies that affirm the safety of alternate therapies.
Treatment at a chiropractic care facility is safe, non-invasive, healthy, and drug free. More people are turning to chiropractic alternative therapies now than ever before in the age of modern medicine.
Spinal Care Australia is a premier chiropractic care center in Brisbane and has been treating clients for more than 5 years. Visit us in our Brisbane Chiropractic Center Today and alleviate your aches and pains and fix future problems with chiropractic care.