Spinal Therapy

Spinal therapy encompasses a range of evidence-based manual techniques designed to restore proper spinal function and relieve chronic back pain. At Feidy Chiropractic, we provide Marietta and East Cobb patients with comprehensive spinal care that has been validated by extensive clinical research. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA examined 26 eligible randomized controlled trials involving over 1,699 patients and found that spinal manipulative therapy was associated with statistically significant improvements in pain and function. The study reported a pooled mean improvement of nearly 10 points on a 100-mm visual analog pain scale. For East Cobb professionals suffering from chronic back pain due to prolonged sitting in offices along Johnson Ferry Road or the Cumberland business district, our spinal therapy program offers scientifically-validated relief.

Flexion-distraction technique represents one of our most effective spinal therapy approaches. Research published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science examined the effects of flexion-distraction manipulation therapy on patients with lumbar spinal stenosis and found significant decreases in pain scores compared to conservative treatment alone. The study demonstrated that flexion-distraction overcomes distortion of facet joints, enables normal range of posterior spinal movement, strengthens adhesive tissues around joints to stimulate mechanical receptors, and normalizes fixed joints and abnormal movements of the spine. Additionally, research has shown that this technique elevates the intervertebral disc, improves distortion of the annulus fibrosus, increases movement of metabolites in the discs, and decreases internal pressure on the discs through expansion of the spinal canal. For Marietta residents dealing with spinal stenosis or disc issues, our flexion-distraction therapy offers gentle, effective relief.

A landmark review published in Frontiers in Pain Research concluded that spinal manipulative therapy may be as effective as other recommended therapies for the management of non-specific and chronic primary spine pain, including standard medical care or physical therapy. The research noted that current clinical practice guidelines almost universally recommend the use of spinal manipulative therapy for spine pain. Furthermore, spinal manipulation provided by chiropractors has been demonstrated to be cost-effective and rarely inappropriate. The accumulating evidence on the effectiveness of SMT for the treatment of acute and chronic back and neck pain has rendered it an acceptable mainstream management option. For East Cobb athletes training at East Cobb Park or Swift-Cantrell Park, our spinal therapy can help maintain peak performance and prevent injuries.

Joint mobilization combined with flexion-distraction techniques has been shown to produce superior outcomes for chronic low back pain. A study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science examined 31 chronic low back pain patients divided into manual therapy and spinal decompression groups. The manual therapy group, which received joint mobilization and flexion-distraction techniques, showed statistically significant increases in disc height as measured by imaging. The researchers concluded that manual therapy using these techniques is considered an effective intervention for addressing low back pain and disc heights in patients with chronic conditions. Our treatment protocols at Feidy Chiropractic incorporate these evidence-based approaches to provide Marietta and East Cobb patients with comprehensive spinal care.

Safety is a paramount concern in spinal therapy, and the research is reassuring. The JAMA systematic review reported that no randomized controlled trial documented any serious adverse events from spinal manipulative therapy. Minor transient effects such as temporary increased soreness, muscle stiffness, or headache were occasionally reported but resolved quickly. Our spinal therapy program at Feidy Chiropractic integrates seamlessly with chiropractic adjustments, lumbar decompression, cervical decompression, and therapeutic massage for a comprehensive approach to spinal health that addresses all aspects of your condition.