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Chiropractic treatment produced some low back pain relief based on clinical trials but it was not very significant. There is no single guaranteed way of treating low back pain that can completely eliminate it and this type of pain will eventually disappear over a few weeks, according to research.

Chiropractic therapy largely involves the manipulation of the spine in order to allow the body to ease pain and to heal itself. The review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association was an analysis of 26 trials in which the technique was used for alleviating low back pain-- excluding sciatica and chronic pain-- that has persisted for up to six weeks. The researchers found that chiropractic treatment gave 15 of 26 trials a moderate low back pain relief.

In 12 of the trials, the participants were able to perform daily activities better than before treatment. Some of them experienced some side effects but the therapeutic method appeared safe in general. Dr. Paul Shekelle from the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System who authored the review explained that they could not attribute pain relief solely to chiropractic care because people who are troubled with back pain tend to use various ways in combination, such as heat wraps, massage and exercise. Exercising has been known to help improve the condition, the WebMD reported.

The technique is one of the most commonly sought complementary approaches for pain in the lower back, neck, shoulder, hand or foot and headaches. It is deemed safe but some reported side effects include headaches and pain where the treatment was done.

Chiropractic practitioners primarily adjust the spine but they also use other methods such as electrical stimulation, heat and ice, and relaxation. They give advice on proper diet, exercise and other habits to improve health, according to the US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.