Arlington, Va. — The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) Research Advisory Board has played an important role in a significant update to evidence-based treatment guidelines that expands recommendations for spinal manipulation in patients with chronic spine pain.
The updated recommendations, published by ODG by MCG, reflect research studies and a research review submitted by the ACA Research Advisory Board to the ODG Editorial Board, supporting the use of ongoing spinal manipulation for certain patients experiencing persistent mechanical spine pain lasting three months or longer.
Previously, ODG recommended no more than eight weeks of spinal manipulation for chronic pain. Under the revised guidelines, patients with persistent mechanical chronic spine pain who demonstrate ongoing, objectively measured functional improvement may be eligible for scheduled maintenance care of up to 12 visits annually, at intervals of one to three months based on individual patient response.
“This is a positive development for patients with chronic spine pain and the doctors of chiropractic who care for them,” said ACA President Kris Anderson, DC, MS. “The updated recommendations recognize that some patients may continue to experience meaningful functional benefits from spinal manipulation beyond a limited initial course of treatment.”
ODG by MCG, originally known simply as ODG, the Official Disability Guidelines, provides evidence-based treatment and return-to-work recommendations used in workers’ compensation, disability and other healthcare settings. Published by MCG Health, the guidelines help inform treatment decisions and the evaluation of medical necessity.
The Research Advisory Board supports ACA’s commitment to evidence-based, patient-centered care. Its contribution to ODG’s updated recommendations reflects the association’s ongoing efforts to ensure that current chiropractic research is considered in the development and revision of influential clinical guidelines.
About the American Chiropractic Association
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is the largest professional chiropractic organization in the United States. ACA attracts the most principled and accomplished doctors of chiropractic, who understand that it takes more to be called an ACA chiropractor. We are leading the chiropractic profession in the most constructive and far-reaching ways by working to bring the highest standards of chiropractic care to patients nationwide. Learn more at acatoday.org.
