Published Research

_ A couple of years ago I was invited to take part in a small research project that a University colleague was running. My role was to collect some of the clinical data, and to help (a little!) with the write-up of the paper which has recently been published in the 'Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation' (Parkin-Smith et al, Arch Phys Med Rehabil Vol 93, Jan 2012 pp.11-20).

The study was designed to investigate the most effective form of treatment for acute low back pain. Normal, 'everyday' patients who presented at the Llangefni clinic were asked to complete a pain questionnaire at the start, middle and end of a course of treatment for low back pain. Comparison was made between 'usual' chiropractic care (including manipulation, soft tissue work, rehabilitation, exercise and postural advice) and a set 'structured protocol' (following specific written guidelines, specific exercise and rehabilitative advice, and specific treatment interventions). The results showed that both treatment methods resulted in a significant improvement in the patient's low back pain,  and levels of patient satisfaction were high in both groups. The 'structured protocol', that ensured that advice regarding specific exercises and rehabilitation was given (and followed!) produced a slightly faster outcome.

Whilst only a small one, it is great to have been involved in such a study - and a big thank you to all the patients that took part!

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