August 2005

Consumer magazine misinforms
readers about adjustment

A short article in the July/August issue of Health magazine, a consumer-oriented publication, provided readers with a checklist on what to do about back pain. But, it did not recommend seeing a chiropractor and may have provided readers with misinformation.

The article said adjustments — made by a “doctor or physical therapist” — can bring relief in days, but only if the patient fits certain criteria. Among the criteria specified: Pain for fewer than 16 days, no pain radiating below the knee, little fear of activities triggering pain, and at least one stiffened spine segment in the lower back.

The magazine quoted a study done by the Air Force and the University of Pittsburgh. The study focused on adjustments done by physical therapists. The article said, “If you’ve been in pain for weeks or you’ve got lower-leg and back pain simultaneously, manipulation is unlikely to work, the researchers say.”

Source: Health magazine, July/August 2005, p. 56, www.health.com

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