A recently released pragmatic, randomized controlled trial from PLoS One has showcased an exciting newstep in our understanding of chronic low back pain and how we can effectively treat it. Almost twenty percent of people who experience low back pain will be at risk of developing a chronic pain pattern. Historically, chronic low back pain treatment has been symptom-guided and based upon exacerbations. However, new research indicates that maintenance care may provide the best long-term result. Periodic chiropractic care was shown to reduce the average number of days with low back pain over a twelve month period by nearly two weeks. This type of care may be best for patients with recurrent, and persistent, low back pain who respond well to an initial course of chiropractic care.
