This randomised controlled trial asked whether seeing a chiropractor more often within a set treatment period produces better results for chronic low back pain. It compared several visit frequencies over a short course of care and tracked pain outcomes at multiple follow-up points.
What was studied?
72 patients with chronic low back pain were randomised to spinal manipulation one, two, three or four times a week over three weeks, with half also receiving heat or electrotherapy.
What did they find?
At 4 weeks, more visits produced meaningfully better pain relief, at a rate of about 5.7 points of improvement for every extra 3 visits, with 3 to 4 visits weekly showing substantial improvement. Adding heat or electrotherapy made no measurable difference. Gains were largely maintained at 12 weeks.
Why it matters
This gives a direct, evidence-based answer to whether more frequent visits over a short period genuinely help: yes, up to a point, with concentrated early care outperforming sporadic treatment.
Why we included it
It shows why treatment intensity, not just treatment choice, can be an evidence-based variable: how often something is done can matter as much as what is done.
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What was studied?
72 patients with chronic low back pain were randomised to spinal manipulation one, two, three or four times a week over three weeks, with half also receiving heat or electrotherapy.
What did they find?
At 4 weeks, more visits produced meaningfully better pain relief, at a rate of about 5.7 points of improvement for every extra 3 visits, with 3 to 4 visits weekly showing substantial improvement. Adding heat or electrotherapy made no measurable difference. Gains were largely maintained at 12 weeks.
Why it matters
This gives a direct, evidence-based answer to whether more frequent visits over a short period genuinely help: yes, up to a point, with concentrated early care outperforming sporadic treatment.
Why we included it
It shows why treatment intensity, not just treatment choice, can be an evidence-based variable: how often something is done can matter as much as what is done.