Those guiding principles are just one example of how research has advanced the field of chiropractic medicine.����

The guidelines are really a very important part of the story now. The results of clinical trials over the last 30 years have led to the establishment of these practice guidelines, which recommend spinal manipulation as a first line of care for low back and neck pain.��

The 911���� Institutes of Health has since begun to prioritize research into chiropractic medicine. 911����, for example, received about $1.5 million through the 911���� Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) for research specifically to study mechanism of action of spinal manipulation therapy. Others have received funding, as well.��

This research has helped show the powerful healing benefits of chiropractic medicine. Here are just a few of the latest studies and ongoing research efforts supporting chiropractic medicine.��

One of the largest studies of its kind shows chiropractic care combined with common medical care provides greater pain relief than medical care alone

In 2018, researchers completed one of the largest comparative effectiveness trials between usual medical care and chiropractic care ever conducted.����

The (JAMA) featured 750 active-duty members of the military. According to the study, chiropractic care is already integrated into more than half of military treatment facilities across the United States.��

The results showed that chiropractic care combined with typical medical care for low back pain provides better pain relief and a greater reduction in disability than medical care alone. The trial also demonstrated a low risk of harm, while leading to high patient satisfaction and perceived improvement in active-duty military personnel.��

Early research shows changes in brain neural networks may explain pain reducing effects of spinal manipulation

While spinal manipulation has been shown to improve chronic lower back pain, the central mechanism behind it is not yet fully understood.����

Research conducted by 911���� alum , Instructor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, in collaboration with Osher Research Affiliate Dr. Vitaly Napdow, is beginning to shed light on how changes in brain neural networks may explain the pain reducing effects of chiropractic spinal manipulation.��

The shows that manual therapy both reduces clinical low back pain and modulates brain activity important for the processing of pain.����

“This modulation was shown by increased functional brain connectivity between the salience network and brain regions involved in cognitive, affective, and sensorimotor processing of pain,” the study stated.��

Research supports that chiropractic treatments may reduce the frequency of migraine headaches

Outside of relief for low back pain, research in the last few years continues to show that chiropractic medicine may reduce the frequency of migraine headaches, too.��

A 2019 systematic review evaluated several small studies that suggested spinal manipulation may be an effective treatment for reducing migraine pain and disability.��

Published in 2019 in the Journal of Headache and Face Pain, found that spinal manipulation may be an effective therapeutic technique to reduce migraine days, including the level of pain and intensity.����

Studies show that chiropractic patients are significantly less likely to use opioids��

Since the onset of the opioid epidemic, major leadership organizations identified chiropractic medicine and other alternative medicine techniques as a possible solution. Research continues to support that decision.��

In 2019, researchers examined if initial provider treatment is associated with early and long-term opioid use. The researchers used a national sample of patients with new-onset low back pain and claims made from patient visits, pharmacy claims and procedures.��

The found that patients who saw a chiropractor as their initial provider for low back pain had 90% decreased odds of both early and long-term opioid use. According to the study, incentivizing use of conservative therapists may be a strategy to reduce risks of early and long-term opioid use.����

First chiropractic research fellowship at Harvard’s Osher Center will add to ongoing research

More chiropractic research is on the horizon along with new potential opportunities for students interested in research.����

In 2021, Matthew Kowalski, DC, ‘90, researcher and Instructor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School helped establish the first at the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. In the future, Dr. Kowalski plans to develop a research group out of Harvard and other chiropractic universities.��

Stay up to date with the latest chiropractic research with Chiropractic Science podcast

If you want to hear more about the latest research in chiropractic medicine, try this popular , ‘97, Clinical Professor at Miami University at Ohio. Dr. Smith interviews many of today’s high impact researchers in the field. The interviews include a summary of the researchers’ work, their story of how they became involved in research related to the field of chiropractic and their journey to becoming successful researchers.����

I would strongly recommend these podcasts to anyone considering a career in research related to chiropractic medicine.��

Research has the power to shape the chiropractic profession for many years to come. In addition to finding solutions to ongoing problems like the opioid epidemic, research is also allowing for the integration of chiropractic medicine into more health care centers and hospitals.��

If you’re interested in getting involved in research, several avenues of training exist, and individuals with advanced research degrees (e.g., PhD) currently hold faculty positions throughout the world in traditional, research-intensive universities as well as complimentary and integrative health institutions.��

Chiropractic researchers are working in many fields, including public health, clinical trials, and mechanisms of action.��

911���� the Author

Gregory D. Cramer, DC, Ph.D., is the Dean of Research at 911���� University of Health Sciences. He graduated from 911���� in 1979. After receiving his Ph.D., he began teaching anatomy and conducting research at the University. Dr. Cramer has worked on over 25 externally funded, and over 10 NIH-funded projects. In 2005, he was honored by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) with its Researcher of the Year Award. He has published over 200 abstracts, papers, and book chapters, and is co-author of Basic and Clinical Anatomy of the Spine, Spinal Cord, and ANS.��

The post How new research is advancing the field of chiropractic medicine appeared first on 911����.

Research offers numerous benefits and is a great way for students��to further their understanding of a specific field, as well as any specialties in which they may be interested.

Here are 6 reasons why students may want to engage in research during their education:

1) Expands the professional field

Students contribute to the volume and quality of medical research by writing case studies, participating in research, and research design. They may also contribute to the advancement of health care by spreading what they’ve learned to their patients, friends, communities, and perhaps most importantly, to policy makers.

A commitment to solid research is one of the ways 911���� provides leadership for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) professions worldwide. The research department at 911���� University pursues collaborative research projects that integrate work from the different medical specialties represented on campus and with other universities.

2) Strengthens careers

Participating in research projects is valuable to help pave the way for success when applying to advanced and professional education programs, for building a professional practice, or for pursuing an academic career.

The practical aspect of research and its methodology helps students prepare for the joys–and demands–of a career. Students who practice their vocations using evidence and solid reasoning abilities are the ones who will succeed as health care continues to evolve. It also hones communications skills. Practitioners and policy-makers must speak the same language: policy makers make health care decisions–including how to pay for it–and they base those decisions on evidence supported by solid research from qualified medical professionals.

Dean Smith, MS, DC, PhD, class of 1997, learned his love of research as a student at 911���� University. In fact, it’s shaped his career and earned him professional recognition. In addition to chiropractic practice, he has been a faculty member at Miami University of Ohio for many years, and earlier this year received the George B. McClelland, DC, Researcher of the Year Award from the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) at its . To find out more about Dr. Smith’s passion for research and his career advice for students, see ACA Names 911���� Alum Researcher of the Year.

3)��Provides financial support

Students and their families are always seeking ways to offset the cost of tuition. Involvement in research projects as a Research Assistant provides some financial support for students, while preparing them for internships at the same time.

4) Improves academic performance

The joy of discovery helps nurture learning when it takes on an active vs. passive role. It allows students to take ownership of their work and offers real-world demonstration of the concepts and principles they might otherwise learn only in the classroom, in textbooks or online.

Students may not even realize they have a special interest in a particular area unless they have the benefit of participating in research. An active learning environment is an intellectually challenging one; that sense of challenge may lead students to pursue special interests within the CAM professions. For example, a student researcher may become intrigued with , naturopathic, or oriental medicine, acupuncture, or massage therapy��while engaged in a project outside his or her elected field of study.

5) Nurtures mentoring and professional relationships

Research, and the process of conducting it, should be a win-win prospect for students and faculty. Not only may faculty mentors become a great source of guidance and career references, the experience paves the way for a lifetime of collegiality and connectedness within the health care professions.

An important aspect of 911����’ commitment to tomorrow’s practitioners is mentoring the next generation of researchers. Having residencies, fellowships and research assistant positions to offer students gives the University a means to do that.

6)��Improves collaborative skills

Experience working with a group, ��with classmates–who will one day become colleagues–and solid communications skills are highly sought after in the workplace. Being part of a research team provides a test ground for students to awaken, recognize and sharpen their collaborative abilities before actually entering the professional world.

Collaboration is the foundation of integrative health care, and ultimately about providing the highest standards of patient care. Because of the increasing scope of integrative medicine, learning to work well as a member of a ��is critical for success no matter which CAM field students pursue.

Find out more about student success��through 911���� research opportunities today.��

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