You are not alone – it is now the leading cause of disability worldwide! But what can you do to take control of your health?
The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) provides evidence-based guidelines on lower back pain, with or without sciatica (pain down the back of your leg). The NICE guidance starts with invasive approaches – surgery. But with many of our patients wanting to avoid this, what are the alternatives?
The NICE guidelines and other research suggest the following:
- Self – management (unfortunately there is no detail on what this involves)
- Exercise
- Manual Therapy (which includes chiropractic care)
Although self-management can help some individuals, research has shown that recovery without any treatment is often limited. One study found that only 33% of people spontaneously recovered within the three months and 65% still had back pain one year later.
The Role of Chiropractic Care:
Chiropractic care, a form of manual therapy, is supported by a growing body of research for it’s effectiveness in managing lower back pain:
- Early intervention leads to better long-term outcomes, potentially because chiropractic care interrupts the process of your brain ‘learning’ to be in pain.
- In a 4-week study, those who received chiropractic care reported reduced pain intensity, improved quality of life and less disruption to daily activities.
- A study of 750 military personnel found that those who received chiropractic care experienced less pain, reduced disability and greater satisfaction with their care. They also reported taking fewer pain medications compared to standard medical care.
Preventative Benefits:
Interestingly, chiropractic care may also play a role in preventing future episodes of lower back pain. Once study found that patients who received regular chiropractic care – even when they weren’t in pain – experienced an average of 13 fewer days of pain over a year, compared to those who only sought care when in pain
Lower back pain can be frustrating and debilitating, but you do not have to suffer in silence. Chiropractic care offers non-invasive, evidence-based options that can help you to experience less pain, improved function and could prevent further episodes. Want to find out more about your lower back pain, chiropractic care or book a consultation? Get in touch with our team today!
- V. Santilli, E. Beghi and S. Finucci (2005) Chiropractic manipulation in the treatment of acute back pain and sciatica with disc protrusion: a randomized double-blind clinical trial of active and simulated spinal manipulations. Spine J
- CJ.Itz, et al (2012) Clinical course of non-specific low back pain: A systematic review of prospective cohort studies set in primary care. European Journal of Pain
- NICE Guidelines. Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management. (2020)
- H. Haavik et al (2024). Neuroplastic Responses to Chiropractic Care Broad Impacts on Pain, Mood, Sleep, and Quality of Life. Brain Sciences
- F. Gedin et al (2025) Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of chiropractic and physiotherapy for chronic low back pain: a multicenter RCT in Sweden. BMC musculoskeletal disorders
- H HAAVIK Research