A meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials comparing the efficacy and safety of NSAIDs with placebo for spinal pain concludes that among 6,065 spine pain patients, "NSAIDs reduced pain and disability, but provided clinically unimportant effects over placebo."
The authors also calculated that the "number needed to treat" (NNT) for a single patient to receive a meaningful benefit of NSAIDs over placebo for pain reduction was five patients in the immediate term and six in the short term.1
"All NSAIDs have been associated with cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks,"2 state the authors, who found "NSAIDs were associated with higher number of patients reporting gastrointestinal adverse effects in the short-term follow-up (i.e., <14 days)."
The authors referenced additional studies relating to other drugs commonly used for spine pain. They remarked that "recent meta-analyses have shown that paracetamol [acetaminophen/Tylenol] is ineffective,3-4 and opioids appear only to offer small benefits for this condition."5
In the paper's final paragraph, the authors conclude, "[W]hen this result is taken together with those from recent reviews on paracetamol and opioids, it is now clear that the three most widely used, and guideline-recommended medicines for spinal pain do not provide clinically important effects over placebo."
However, they end their paper with this comment: "There is an urgent need to develop new analgesics for spinal pain." Chiropractic is not mentioned in the study.
Editor's Note: For thoughts on these study findings, read Don Petersen Jr.'s Report of My Findings.
References
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
