Category: Back Pain

Low back pain is one of the most common physical complaints among active-duty military personnel. Long hours of training, heavy equipment, repetitive movement, and the physical demands of military life can place tremendous stress on the spine and supporting muscles. A study published on April 7, 2026, in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, explored whether adding chiropractic care to standard medical treatment could help improve long-term outcomes for service members struggling with low back pain.

The study followed military personnel with low back pain for up to one year. Some participants received standard medical care alone, while others received standard medical care along with chiropractic care. Researchers tracked changes in pain levels, physical function, sleep quality, fatigue, and the ability to participate in daily activities. The goal was to see whether chiropractic care could provide additional benefits over time.

The results were encouraging. Patients who received chiropractic care generally showed greater improvement in pain-related disability and overall physical function compared to those who received standard medical care alone. While pain intensity itself improved only modestly over the long term, many participants found it easier to perform everyday activities and remain physically active. This is important because improved movement and function can have a major impact on quality of life.

One of the most interesting findings involved sleep. The study found that people receiving chiropractic care experienced meaningful improvements in sleep disturbance even after 52 weeks. Better sleep can play a major role in healing, recovery, energy levels, and overall well-being. Since chronic pain and poor sleep often go hand in hand, improving spinal function and reducing stress on the body may help support healthier sleep patterns over time.

Researchers also noted that chiropractic care often includes more than simply addressing pain. Care may involve improving mobility, encouraging healthy movement, supporting posture, reducing muscle tension, and helping patients better manage daily physical stress. Correction of subluxation and improved spinal balance may help the nervous system function more efficiently, allowing the body to better adapt to physical demands and recover from strain. Many patients also appreciate the non-drug, conservative approach to managing back pain.

Although the study focused on military personnel, the findings may be meaningful for anyone dealing with ongoing low back pain. The research supports the idea that chiropractic care can be a valuable addition to a broader healthcare plan, especially for people looking to improve movement, function, and quality of life naturally. These results add to growing evidence that chiropractic care may provide important long-term benefits for people living with back pain.

Endometriosis is a condition that affects millions of women worldwide and can have a major impact on daily life. Many people living with endometriosis experience severe menstrual pain, fatigue, headaches, back pain, and difficulty participating in normal activities. A recent case report published in the 2026 second quarter issue of the Asian Pacific Chiropractic Journal, explored how chiropractic care may help support women dealing with both musculoskeletal problems and menstrual-related symptoms. The report followed a 24-year-old woman who had struggled with endometriosis, migraines, chronic neck and back tension, and reduced quality of life.

Before beginning chiropractic care, the woman described constant neck and upper back pain, recurring migraines, shoulder discomfort, and severe menstrual pain that often radiated into her back and knees. Her symptoms became so intense during parts of her cycle that she spent nearly two weeks each month largely confined to bed. The condition affected her work, exercise, social activities, and family relationships. She had previously relied on medication for relief but stopped because of unwanted side effects and concerns about long-term use.

Over the course of her chiropractic care, the woman reported meaningful improvements in several areas of her health. Neck and upper back pain decreased, posture improved, sleep quality became better, and stress levels were reduced. Most importantly, she experienced a major reduction in menstrual pain and cramping. She reported fewer days of severe symptoms and found her menstrual cycles much easier to manage. These improvements allowed her to return to exercise, increase social activities, and function more comfortably at work and in daily life.

Doctors and researchers are learning that conditions like endometriosis may involve more than just localized pelvic pain. Many patients also experience changes in posture, spinal tension, increased sensitivity to pain, and nervous system stress. This study discussed how spinal dysfunction and vertebral subluxation may contribute to altered nervous system function, muscle tension, and changes in how the body processes pain signals. Researchers believe that improving spinal function may help support healthier nervous system balance and better pain regulation.

The study also discussed possible explanations for these changes. Researchers noted that correction of subluxation may help improve communication within the nervous system and support healthier autonomic function, which plays a role in pain processing and organ regulation. Improvements in posture, spinal balance, and nervous system adaptability may also help reduce central sensitization, a process in which the body becomes overly sensitive to pain signals. While these ideas are still being studied, they offer encouraging possibilities for conservative, drug-free approaches to chronic pain conditions.

Although this was only a single case report and more research is needed, the findings highlight the potential value of chiropractic care as part of a broader wellness approach for women dealing with endometriosis and chronic pain. The patient’s improved ability to participate in work, family life, exercise, and social activities represented a major improvement in overall quality of life.

Phantom limb pain is a surprisingly common problem for people who have had a limb amputated. Even though the limb is no longer present, the brain and nervous system can continue sending pain signals that feel as if they are coming from the missing body part. This condition can cause sensations such as burning, stabbing, or aching in the absent limb, and it often interferes with sleep, mobility, and quality of life. Studies suggest that a majority of individuals with lower-limb amputations experience some degree of phantom limb pain during their lives.

A case study published on February 03, 2026, in the Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic, described an interesting situation involving a 66-year-old man who had undergone a below-knee amputation several years earlier. Like many people with amputations, he experienced persistent phantom limb pain. He also suffered from significant lower back pain that radiated into the remaining portion of his leg. These problems made standing, walking, and even sleeping uncomfortable, and previous treatments had provided only limited relief.

While receiving chiropractic care for his lower back condition, something unexpected happened. The man began to notice improvements not only in his back pain but also in the phantom limb pain he had experienced for years. Within several visits, he reported a period of complete relief from the phantom pain that had previously been persistent and difficult to control.

Researchers believe this improvement may be connected to how the spine and nervous system communicate. The lower back contains nerves that travel to the legs and feet. When spinal function is disrupted—sometimes associated with subluxation—it can affect how nerve signals travel between the brain and the body. Correcting spinal problems may help reduce nerve irritation and improve communication within the nervous system, which could influence how pain signals are processed.

In this case, the patient’s pain scores improved significantly during care. His reported pain levels dropped by about half, and his ability to function in daily life improved as well. Although the complete relief of phantom limb pain lasted only temporarily, the improvement was still notable because phantom limb pain can be extremely difficult to treat with conventional methods alone.

While this report describes only one individual and more research is needed, it highlights an important idea: the nervous system plays a powerful role in how pain is experienced. Chiropractic care focused on improving spinal function and correcting subluxation may influence nerve pathways and pain perception in ways that researchers are only beginning to understand. For individuals living with chronic pain after amputation, this type of conservative care may become an important part of a broader, multidisciplinary approach to improving comfort and quality of life.

Low back pain is not just a problem for older adults. Many young people—especially college students—are now experiencing it more frequently. Long hours of sitting, studying on laptops, using smartphones, and maintaining poor posture can all place stress on the spine. Over time, these habits may contribute to spinal dysfunction and discomfort that interferes with daily activities, exercise, and concentration. Researchers have been paying increasing attention to this trend because early spinal problems can sometimes lead to chronic pain later in life.

A scientific review published on December 19, 2025, in the Pacific Journal of Spine & Neurosurgery looked at how chiropractic care may help people suffering from nonspecific low back pain. The researchers examined multiple clinical studies that compared chiropractic spinal adjustments with traditional physical therapy approaches. Both treatments are considered conservative, non-drug options designed to improve movement, reduce pain, and help people return to normal activity. The review analyzed eighteen carefully selected studies that measured outcomes such as pain levels, mobility, and disability related to back pain.

The findings showed that chiropractic care can produce meaningful improvements in back pain. Many patients experienced noticeable reductions in pain intensity, particularly during the early stages of care. By restoring movement to restricted spinal joints and helping correct subluxation, chiropractic adjustments may reduce mechanical stress on the spine and help the nervous system function more efficiently. These improvements often allow people to move more comfortably and resume normal daily activities.

Safety was also an encouraging part of the findings. Across the studies examined, serious complications were not reported. Most side effects were mild and temporary, such as brief soreness or fatigue after treatment sessions. These short-lived reactions are common with many forms of manual therapy and usually resolve quickly. Overall, both chiropractic care and physical therapy demonstrated strong safety profiles for people dealing with low back pain.

The study highlights an important message: conservative spinal care can play a valuable role in helping people manage low back pain. Chiropractic adjustments aimed at correcting subluxation may help restore proper spinal function and improve communication between the brain and body. When combined with healthy habits—such as good posture, regular movement, and strengthening exercises—many individuals can experience lasting improvements in comfort, mobility, and quality of life.

On May 26, 2025, the Annals of Rheumatology and Autoimmunity published the results of a study with the title, “Effect of Chiropractic on Pain and Disability in Patients with Nonspecific Low Back Pain.” The study begins by noting that “Nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) is characterized by low back pain, that is, not associated with any underlying pathology and is accompanied by burning, dull aching, or sharp pain.”

According to the study authors, the purpose of this study was “…to evaluate the effect of chiropractic on pain and disability in patients with NSLBP.” They report that, worldwide, approximately 1.63 billion people suffer from musculoskeletal disorders like back pain and are the second-leading cause of disability.

They also note that typical medical care for low back pain (LBP) involves nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, opioids, or surgery. However, the authors express their concerns about treating lower back pain with medications due to the possibility of side effects and drug related problems. They state, “Due to the adverse effects and potential harm to the patient, complementary therapy such as chiropractic is being increasingly used in the management of LBP.”

In this study, a total of 30 people, 16 males and 14 females with NSLBP, were recruited to participate. All patients were between the ages of 20 and 50. Anyone who was diagnosed with a spinal pathology, or who was undergoing physical therapy for pain relief, or under pain medication were not included in this study.

For the purposes of this study, chiropractic adjustments were rendered to each of the participants for only 4 days in a row. Before and after the four days of care, each participant completed standardized questionnaires to measure their pain indexes from their LBP. The two types of pain measurement included a “Pain disability index” (PDI) and a “Oswestry disability index” (ODI) which measures pain and how it affects activities of daily life.

The study reports that all the 30 participants showed a significant reduction in both the PDI and ODI pain index scores in the post chiropractic care assessments compared to the assessments performed before chiropractic care was given. The study also recorded that none of the patients in this study reported any adverse effects during the study period.

In the report’s discussion section, the authors commented that “The results of the study showed a significant reduction in PDI and ODI scores in the post-test compared to pretest assessments. It indicates that four days of chiropractic was effective in reducing the pain intensity and its related disability in patients with NSLBP.” They concluded, “Chiropractic was safe and effective in reducing the pain and disability in patients with NSLBP.”

The MDPI journal “Healthcare” published the results of a case study on April 3, 2025, documenting the long-term improvement of chronic lower back pain and chronic intermittent neck pain of a patient under specific forms of chiropractic care. MDPI is a non-profit organization in Basel, Switzerland, that publishes a number of open-source scientific journals.

This study begins by describing the impact that chronic lower back pain has on society. “CLBP has been the leading cause of disability globally for the past few decades, resulting in decreased quality of life physically and emotionally.” CLBP is first on the list of health conditions that cause disability worldwide. Chronic neck pain is fourth on that list. The study also reports that lower back pain expenses exceed 40 billion dollars each year in the U.S. alone.

In this case, a 38-year-old man presented himself for chiropractic care because he had been suffering for the past five years with severe lower back pain. On a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being the worst, the man rated his pain as a 7. His pain was interfering with his daily activities and his work and was made worse by long days at work and with prolonged periods of driving. Over the prior five years, the man had sporadically received some chiropractic care but not specific forms of care on a regular basis.

A detailed history and assessment of his condition showed that the man was significantly disabled from his back pain with a disability score of 54%. Standardized survey forms also showed that his pain was causing a significant decrease in his overall quality of life.

A chiropractic examination and spinal x-rays showed significant overall postural deviations as well as specific spinal segment misalignments commonly known as subluxations. With the findings of the examination and x-rays, a regular regimen of specific chiropractic care along with specific spinal exercises was started.

After 36 chiropractic visits over a three-month period, a reassessment was done, and new x-rays were taken. The results showed a significant improvement in his posture and spinal positioning. Testing also showed a drastic reduction in his symptoms and the disability related to those issues. The improvements produced a significant improvement in the man’s quality of life.

One year after the beginning of the man’s regular chiropractic care, a follow-up examination showed that his improvements were maintained, and he was still enjoying a higher quality of life. The authors commented, “This case documents the successful treatment of a male who suffered from chronic spine pain and significant disability.” The authors went on to explain, “…all the postural improvements corresponded with improvements in pain, disability, and function after only 3 months. The improved posture and symptom reductions were maintained at a long-term follow-up.”

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published the results of a study on February 19, 2025, documenting chiropractic care helping women who were pregnant with twins and suffering from a variety of pain issues. The study reports on three woman who were each pregnant with twins and suffering from pelvic pain.

The study begins by pointing out there is an increased prevalence of health issues associated with pregnancies of twins. They report, “Common complications in twin pregnancies include preterm labor and birth, preeclampsia and eclampsia, anemia, birth defects, miscarriage, twin-to-twin transfusion, abnormal amounts of amniotic fluids, increase risk for a Caesarean delivery and postpartum hemorrhage to list a few.”

The first case involved a 33-year-old woman who was 28 weeks pregnant with twins. The woman was suffering with daily bilateral hip pain and back pain that was made worse by sitting and walking. She stated it affected her daily life and made it difficult to care for her 2-year-old. She also reported that her obstetrician informed her that both her unborn babies were in a breech position.

Specific forms of chiropractic care were started on her to address the subluxations that were determined to be present. As a result of her chiropractic care, the woman’s back pain was minimized and her obstetrician confirmed that both her babies had turned to a normal head-down position.

The second case was of a 32-year-old woman who was 24-weeks pregnant with twins. This woman reported that she was suffering with bilateral hip pain and back pain located at her lower lumbar spine. She noted that walking and bending over made her back pain worse.

Chiropractic care was started to address the subluxations in her spine. Because of her chiropractic care, the woman reported that her pain was greatly reduced, and she was able to function normally in her employment as an intensive care unit nurse.

The third case involved a 30-year-old woman who was pregnant with twins and who was suffering with daily back pain, anterior pelvic pain and bilateral hip pain. A chiropractic examination determined that subluxations were present. Specific forms of chiropractic care appropriate for a pregnant woman were started. Over the course of seven chiropractic visits, the woman’s back and hip pain were completely resolved.

The authors of this study pointed out that these results were not unusual. In a review of other scientific literature, they were able to identify multiple studies of chiropractic helping pregnant women. The authors commented that chiropractic care was a common form of non-medical care for pregnant women. They stated, “It is well documented that women of childbearing age commonly use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). In a survey of 10,002 women of childbearing age, representing 67.2 million women in the United States, it was estimated that 38 percent of all United States women of childbearing age (about 25 million women) were CAM users, regardless of pregnancy status.”

On January 1, 2025, the first-quarter issue of the Asian Pacific Chiropractic Journal published the results of a case study showing chiropractic helping a patient who was suffering with a variety of pain issues in her lower back, legs, shoulders and neck. The patient had undergone unsuccessful spinal surgery in their lower back five years previously.

Failed back surgery is a common problem in healthcare. A report published by the National Library of Medicine’s National Center for Biotechnology Information states that “Failed back surgery syndrome is reported to affect between 10 to 40% of patients following back surgery.”

The authors of this study also highlight the issue of failed back surgery by quoting the editors of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Georgetown Medical Center in Washington, DC, “The world of spinal medicine, unfortunately, is producing patients with failed back surgery syndrome at an alarming rate. There is growing frustration over the lack of progress in the surgical treatment of degenerative disc disease. Despite a steady stream of technological innovations over the past 15 years, from pedical screws to fusion cages to artificial discs, there is little evidence that patient outcomes have improved.”

In this case, a 52-year-old woman who had undergone spinal laminectomy surgery at the lower spine five years previously, sought chiropractic care for relief from her variety of symptoms. At that time, she was suffering with pain in her left hip, buttock, groin, leg, calf and ankle that had been present for five months. Additionally, the woman was suffering with painful plantar fasciitis and frozen shoulders for the prior three years.

The woman stated that sitting for too long made her pain unbearable. She rated her back, hip, leg and foot pain as a 10 out of 10 and said that she suffered with these problems for “7 days out of the week.” Prior to her problems, the woman was very active but was now unable to participate in many of the activities she enjoyed.

After a detailed chiropractic and orthopedic examination, specific forms of chiropractic care were started. The study recorded that within a four week period and after five chiropractic visits, the woman reported that all of her symptoms had been resolved and she only had some minor residual stiffness. A follow-up two years later showed that none of her symptoms had returned, and she was once again able to engage in the life and family activities she enjoyed.

The authors of this study highlight the importance of chiropractic care being tried before irreversible spinal surgery is considered. “Most importantly, this case report demonstrates the continued ineffectiveness and overuse of spine surgery. More people need to understand the risks and costs before embarking on a path to potential failed back surgery. People also need to know there is a better solution, chiropractic care, that is getting the recognition it has long deserved. Around the world there are millions people who are now addicted to strong medications for their chronic back pain from failed back surgeries.”

The first-quarter issue of the Asian Pacific Chiropractic Journal published on January 1, 2025, documented the improvement of both chronic lower back pain and lung function in a patient undergoing chiropractic care.

This study begins by noting just how prevalent lower back pain is. “Chronic lower back pain (CLBP) is a pervasive condition that affects a significant portion of the global population, with studies estimating that up to 80% of adults experience lower back pain at some point in their lives.”

The authors of this study also point out that there is a direct correlation between lower back pain and poor posture. Poor posture can be both the result of long-term back pain, as well as a contributing factor causing back pain. They also note that abnormal spinal postures “can significantly impact the mechanics of breathing.”

In this case, a 37-year-old man whose primary occupation involved working at a desk, went to the chiropractor to see if he could get help for his chronic lower back problem. The man stated that he had been suffering with lower back pain for the previous five years. He described the pain as dull and intermittent and would get significantly worse if he sat for prolonged periods of time.

A chiropractic examination was performed which showed spinal misalignments and postural irregularities. The postural issues prompted testing the patient’s lung functions using spirometry. Spirometry is a pulmonary function test that measures lung function by assessing the amount and speed of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. The results of the spirometry test show deficiencies in the man’s lung functions.

Specific forms of chiropractic care were started, and the man was seen twice weekly for 12 weeks. At that point, a re-evaluation was performed to check on the man’s progress. At that time, he reported that he had not had any back pain for three weeks and was no longer having the pain he had for the previous five years. The evaluation also showed that his posture had significantly improved compared to when he first started chiropractic care.

A follow-up spirometry test was also performed. The results of his second spirometry showed considerable improvements in all parameters, indicating his breathing and lungs had returned to completely functioning normally.

In the discussion section of this case report, the authors stated, “The findings of this case study are consistent with existing literature that elucidates the positive effects of chiropractic care on both structural alignment and respiratory function.”

On September 1, 2024, the research site Cureus published the results of a case study documenting the improvement through chiropractic of a patient with scoliosis who was suffering with chronic lower back pain. MedLine Plus describes chronic lower back pain by stating, “Low back pain refers to pain that you feel in your lower back. You may also have back stiffness, decreased movement of the lower back, and difficulty standing straight. Low back pain that is long-term is called chronic low back pain.”

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases describes scoliosis by saying, “Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine. Everyone has normal curves in the spine, and when looked at from behind, the spine appears straight. However, children and teens with scoliosis have an abnormal S-shaped or C-shaped curve of the spine.”

In this case, a 34-year-old man was suffering with chronic pain in two areas, his neck and lower back. The man attributed his pain to very hard labor from his employment of being a heavy equipment manufacturer in the mining industry. In addition to his employment, the man had also played competitive rugby for 12 years and was involved in martial arts for the past 4 years.

Four days prior to seeking chiropractic care, the man had a neck injury while being engaged in marital arts. The man was experiencing neck pain that radiated from his neck into his right hand, along with tingling and a minimal loss of his right-hand function. The pain was so severe it affected his sleep and could compromise his safety at work.

In addition to his recent injury, the man also suffered with long term lower back pain that radiated into his right knee. He also reported a loss of sensation in his feet which he noted were cold much of the time. He also suffered with regular nose bleeding and had problems with frequent urination.

A chiropractic examination and spinal x-rays were performed. The x-rays revealed a moderate lower back scoliosis. Based upon the finding of the exam and x-rays, a plan of specific forms of chiropractic were started. The man was initially seen three times per week for his chiropractic care. After ten weeks of care, the patient was re-evaluated to determine the progress of his condition and his spine.

At his re-evaluation, the man reported significant improvement in his lower back and neck pain of between 85 and 90%. He also reported that he was no longer having a loss of sensation in his feet, as well as no longer experiencing cold feet. Additionally, his nose bleeding and frequent urination had resolved. Additionally, on follow-up x-rays, it was demonstrated that the man had a 30% improvement in his scoliosis.