In a randomized trial, chiropractic patients were more satisfied with their back care providers after 4 weeks of treatment than were medical patients. This was reported by a randomized control trial from the University of California; per their statement, the study examined the difference in satisfaction between patients assigned to chiropractic care versus seeking care from their medical provider. 


Patient satisfaction is an important component of evaluating care for low back pain, especially because objectively measurable treatment outcomes are largely absent. Among low back pain patients in the United States, about one third as many go to chiropractors as to medical doctors. Your PCP may be skeptical reexamining the chiropractor’s ability to treat low back pain to achieve high patient satisfaction.

​Following the study of both treatment methods between Chiropractic methods, and treatment provided by a primary care physician, chiropractic patients were more satisfied with their providers than were medical patients. The findings were consistent with previous studies that demonstrate associations between the amount of information patients receive and their degree of satisfaction when compared to Chiropractic care and managed care by their primary care physician. Chiropractic patients reported receiving more self-care advice than did medical patients, and were more likely to report receiving an explanation of their treatment; this resulted in a more successful outcome. 

​It was also noted that per-visit copayment, visit duration, level of confidence in treatment, average changes in pain and disability in the first 2 weeks was more favorable for those who were seeking Chiropractic care. 

Call or text our office today at (203) 842-8631 to schedule your appointment and improve your quality of life. 
Find our information online at www.SheltonSportsandSpine.com

*Am J Public Health. 2002 October; 92(10): 1628–1633.
Comparing the Satisfaction of Low Back Pain Patients Randomized to Receive Medical or Chiropractic Care: Results From the UCLA Low-Back Pain Study
Ruth P. Hertzman-Miller, MD, MPH, Hal Morgenstern, PhD, Eric L. Hurwitz, DC, PhD, Fei Yu, PhD, Alan H. Adams, DC, MS, Philip Harber, MD, MPH, and Gerald F. Kominski, PhD

​​Pelvic Tilt – Find your hip bone and tilt it forward and back. Don’t lift/bridge your hips up, only tilt! 

​Open Book – Don’t just reach your hand to the bed. Focus on trying to get your shoulder blade as close to the bed as possible. 

​Pec Stretch – Place your elbow at a 45 degree angle with your foot on the same side taking a step in front. Gently push your chest forward to feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds. 

​QL Stretch – With your limbs in position, lean away from the doorway to feel the stretch in your low back. 

Sleeping on your stomach can cause issues in the low back, since your spine is put in an unnatural position. If you can’t avoid stomach sleeping, place a small pillow under your pelvis to correct alignment. 
Consistent side-sleeping can put your hips out of alignment. You can place a pillow in between your knees to lessen pressure on the hips, but think about transitioning to a better sleep position. 

The best way to sleep is on your back! This position keeps your spine neutral and allows to distribute your body weight evenly. If you feel any pressure in the low back due to natural curvature, you can always place a pillow under your knees 

If you’re a side sleeper, be cognizant of your neck position. The height of your pillow should allow your neck to be in neutral alignment. The neck is not directly connected to the legs, so how could that affect anything? Cervical spine alignment impacts alignment for the rest of the spine, and the lower spine has more of a direct impact on the leg muscles. Although not in direct proximity to the lower extremity, it has an affect on the entire kinectic chain of our body.
 
Keep these tips and tricks in mind for nocturnal leg cramp prevention! Call (203) 842-8631 to Schedule an appointment today if you'd like to review these stretches or explore nutritional supplementation to help avoid these symptoms.