Musculoskeletal disorders affect 5-7% of the population in Canada. Neck pain is one of the more common musculoskeletal complaints. Spinal manipulative therapy attempts to reduce pain and increase range of motion. Treatments from any profession require valid evidence of efficacy. This study examines two popular treatments used by Canadian chiropractors, a mechanically assisted device commonly known as the Activator Adjusting Instrument ™, and spinal manipulative therapy. Fourteen subjects were randomly into two groups. Each subject was assigned by a blind examiner and then given one of the two treatment interventions provided by an experienced chiropractor. The outcome measures used were lateral flexion and a subjective pain rating scale. The results revealed that there were no statistically significant differences before and after the interventions. Further study is required using larger sample sizes before conclusions can be made regarding the efficacy of the selected interventions. However, the importance of the need for future comparative studies is discussed.
Chiropr Tech 1996; 8(4):155-62.
Author information: Yurkiw D, Mior S. Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
