The World Health Organization (WHO) on December 7th, 2023, released its guidelines for non-surgical management of Chronic Primary Low back pain; in adults in primary and community settings in order to provide evidence-based care recommendations.
Spinal manipulative therapy which includes chiropractic is one of the recommended interventions. Also included are exercises, acupuncture, massage, NSAIDS, and topical cayenne pepper.
WHO is against opioids, antidepressants, skeletal muscle relaxants, injectable local anesthetics and weight loss medications. Acetaminophen, benzodiazepines and cannabis received no recommendation and listed potential harmful effects including cardiovascular, renal and GI harms and increased mortality risk for acetaminophen.
With the list of recommended interventions chiropractors provide three of these. Spinal manipulation, structured exercise and massage. As a result of this study, Doctor of Chiropractic should be first choice for chronic low back management.
Dynamic Chiropractic Feb. 2024 issue Page 8