Do You Think You Have Lower Back Problems, or
Does Lower Back Problems Effect the Way You Think?

Published in the February 1^st 1999 issue of “Spine” research magazine, was a study that showed a link between chronic low back pain and slower reaction times, reduced short term memory, and certain motor tasks.  The study measured subjects with chronic lower back pain using a computer to test their short term memory and reaction time to certain items that appeared on the screen.

The conclusion was that chronic Lower Back Pain hampers short term memory and decreases the patients speed of process of certain information.

In a related note the “Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics” July August 1999 issue published a pilot study comparing chiropractic care to acupuncture and medication for patients with chronic low back problems.  The results were that no change took place with the acupuncture and medication group while significant changes occurred in the chiropractic group.  Considering the information above about memory and reaction times we can see the profound positive effect chiropractic can have on these patients.