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Outcomes of Usual Chiropractic. The OUCH randomized controlled trial of adverse events
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Outcomes of Usual Chiropractic. The OUCH randomized controlled trial of adverse events

B.F. Walker, J.J. Hebert, N.J. Stomski, B.R. Clarke, R.S. Bowden, B. Losco and S.D. French
Spine, Vol.38(20), pp.1723-1729
2013
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/BRS.0b013e31829fefe4
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Abstract

Study Design: Blinded parallel group randomised controlled Objective: Establish the frequency and severity of adverse effects from short term usual chiropractic treatment of the spine when compared to a sham treatment group. Summary of Background Data: Previous studies have demonstrated that adverse events occur during chiropractic treatment. However, as a result of design limitations in previous studies, particularly the lack of sham-controlled randomised trials, understanding of these adverse events and their relation with chiropractic treatment, is suboptimal. Methods: We conducted a trial to examine the occurrence of adverse events resulting from chiropractic treatment. It was conducted across 12 chiropractic clinics in Perth, Western Australia. The participants comprised 183 adults, aged 20-85, with spinal pain. Ninety two participants received individualized care consistent with the chiropractors' usual treatment approach; 91 participants received a sham intervention. Each participant received two treatments. Results: Completed adverse questionnaires were returned by 94.5% of the participants after appointment one and 91.3% after appointment two. Thirty three per cent of the sham group and 42% of the usual care group reported at least one adverse event. Common adverse events were increased pain (sham 29%; usual care 36%), muscle stiffness (sham 29%; usual care 37%), headache (sham 17%; usual care 9%). The relative risk was not significant for either adverse event occurrence (RR = 1.24 95% CI 0.85 to 1.81); occurrence of severe adverse events (RR = 1.9; 95% CI 0.98 to 3.99); adverse event onset (RR = 0.16; 95% CI 0.02 to 1.34); or adverse event duration (RR = 1.13; 95% CI 0.59 to 2.18). No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions: A substantial proportion of adverse events following chiropractic treatment may result from natural history variation and non-specific effects.

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Citation topics
1 Clinical & Life Sciences
1.129 Back pain
1.129.98 Low Back Pain
Web Of Science research areas
Clinical Neurology
Orthopedics
ESI research areas
Neuroscience & Behavior
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