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To the Editor:
 
The article on alternatives to pain medications (“Drug-Free Remedies for Chronic Pain”) that was published in the January/February issue of AARP The Magazine is to be applauded for encouraging the use of non-drug approaches to chronic pain. With recent studies linking many nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to an increased risk of heart attacks and stroke, it is more important than ever for patients to have access to conservative treatments—and chiropractic is an excellent option.
 
A significant amount of evidence shows that the use of conservative chiropractic care for problems such as acute and chronic lower-back pain, neck pain, headaches and many other neuromusculoskeletal conditions can be just as effective, and sometimes more effective, than traditional medical care. In fact, a 2003 study published in the medical journal Spine found that manual manipulation provides better short-term relief of chronic spinal pain than does a variety of medications. This information should come as welcome news for patients who are looking for pain relief through non-medicinal measures.
 
Thank you for a timely and worthwhile article, and for explaining many conservative treatment options, including chiropractic.
 
Sincerely,

Glenn Manceaux, DC
President, American Chiropractic Association