In today’s episode, we’ll dive into an eye-opening new study on manual therapy for chronic low back pain—one that analyzed data from over 35,000 patients. You'll get the inside scoop on how hands-on chiropractic care stacks up against other interventions, why it delivers powerful short-term relief, and what the long-term benefits (and limitations) look like.

We’ll break down a 2025 editorial from BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine, which challenges clinicians to demand clearer research reporting so that exercise recommendations can be tailored with specificity. You’ll hear why most exercise studies fall short on details like dosage, frequency, progression, and intensity—and what that means for your everyday care plans.

In this episode, you’ll learn about the different types of back pain, how activity-limiting pain can impact your sleep health for years, and why it’s crucial for chiropractors to address pain early to help patients avoid a cascade of sleep difficulties.

On today’s episode, we take a deep dive into a groundbreaking randomized controlled trial exploring the powerful connection between spinal adjustments and lumbar proprioception. If you’ve ever wondered what’s actually happening beneath the surface after an adjustment—beyond that familiar cavitation and increased motion—this is the episode for you.

On this episode, we dive into breakthrough research on how pain-related fear influences the way people lift—especially those who do it for a living. Turns out, fear can change your biomechanics, but real-world experience builds the confidence needed to move better and avoid injury.

Lasers are everywhere — but not all lasers are created equal. In this episode, we unpack the 10 Essentials chiropractors should understand before choosing a laser system. From coherence and wavelengths to dosing, diodes, and workflow integration, we cover the real differences that impact patient outcomes and clinic revenue during this conversation with Blue Honest founder Dr. Doug Wine.

In this episode, we dove into new research showing that more than half of people with persistent low back pain use analgesics—and most keep using them, even after structured programs.

In this episode, you’ll learn what shockwave therapy truly is, how it works at a biological level, and the conditions where it really shines (think plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, and chronic pain). Dr. Dan breaks down the regenerative promise of shockwave—how it stimulates the body’s own healing mechanisms, when it’s the right fit for your patient base, and why practice foundations matter before adding any new technology.

Traditional MRIs often miss the real causes of neck pain because scans are taken while patients are lying down—not how they live or move every day. This new technology can reveal hidden issues like stenosis and radiculopathy that only show up when you're upright and in motion.

In today's episode, we dive deep into a fascinating new study exploring how the approach to acute low back pain has changed over the past 20 years among chiropractors, physical therapists, and osteopaths. This episode unpacks key shifts in clinical behavior—such as a significant drop in X-ray use, the rise of MRI investigations, changes in spinal adjustment use, and the increasing popularity of massage and acupuncture.

Are you a chiropractor looking to make a real impact? In this episode, we break down brand new research showing that spinal adjustments can immediately improve head movement control in patients with chronic neck pain—helping them move faster and more efficiently, not just with less pain, but with better coordination. This isn’t just about relief; it’s proof of true neuro-muscular change.

We’re back with more powerful research on this week’s episode of The Evidence Based Chiropractor. If you care about your patients’ health and the opioid crisis, this is a must-read. Here’s the Big News:A brand new study published in 2025 shows that patients who choose chiropractic care first for new low back pain are an astonishing 80% less likely to develop an opioid use disorder, compared to those who reach for ibuprofen and follow the typical medical pathway. Let’s break down the study highlights: Dramatic risk reduction: Only 0.24% of patients who consulted a chiropractor developed opioid use disorder — versus 1.5% in the ibuprofen group. Prescription impact: Chiropractic patients not only had a significantly lower risk of addiction but also received less than half the average number of opioid prescriptions compared to the ibuprofen group. Long-term safety: Long-term opioid use (90+ days) was 77% lower among chiropractic patients. Episode Notes: Association Between Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Low Back Pain With or Without Sciatica and Opioid Use Disorder Leander Tables- Save $1,000 on the Series 950 Table using the code EBC2025 — their most advanced flexion-distraction table Patient Pilot by The Smart Chiropractor is the fastest, easiest to generate weekly patient reactivations on autopilot…without spending any money on advertising. Click here to schedule a call with our team. Our members use research to GROW their practice. Are you interested in increasing your referrals? Discover the best chiropractic marketing you aren't currently using right here!

In this episode, we highlight brand new research exploring the powerful impact of chiropractic adjustments—not just on pain relief, but on how patient expectations shape outcomes. We’ll break down a fascinating randomized clinical trial that studied real versus sham spinal manipulations, changes in cortisol levels, and the role of both positive and negative patient expectations in short-term pain relief for people with neck pain.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into some brand new, cutting-edge research that turns the spotlight on microglia—the tiny, yet mighty immune cells in your spinal cord. Dr. Jeff explores a recent review published in Frontiers in Immunology that unpacks how microglia play a pivotal role in neuroinflammation, plasticity, and recovery after spinal cord injury.

A new study shows that more degenerative changes on cervical MRIs actually mean less severe headaches in patients with neck pain. So, if you or your patients are stressing over how bad their imaging looks, it’s time to rethink that. The big takeaway? Imaging findings don’t dictate the future—holistic care, communication, and proactive strategies make the real difference.

Let’s dive into one of the largest studies ever conducted on cervical radiculopathy—exploring how nearly 800,000 patients across the United States are managing this common condition. Despite clinical guidelines recommending conservative care as the first line of treatment, the shocking reality is that less than 20% of patients are actually receiving physical therapy, chiropractic care, or acupuncture within the critical first 90 days of diagnosis. Dr. Langmaid breaks down the study’s key findings, what they mean for your practice, and how you can position yourself as the go-to choice for patients seeking effective, evidence-based relief.

In this episode, we dive into a brand new research study focused on lumbar radiculopathy—sciatic pain radiating down the leg—and what patients are really doing to seek relief. You'll hear surprising statistics, such as how over half of patients with lumbar radiculopathy have already tried chiropractic care before joining clinical trials, and why most are turning to multiple integrative options simultaneously. Dr. Jeff breaks down what this means for your practice, how to better connect with patients who are searching for answers, and the key opportunities to grow your chiropractic business by meeting patients where they already are.

Chiropractic care is making a real impact for older adults—especially in underserved communities. In this episode, we dive into a new study from the Canadian Journal on Aging, showing that patients aged 45 to 93 saw pain reduced by over a third after receiving chiropractic care. Even those with complex health challenges experienced meaningful improvements, and nearly 9 out of 10 older adults avoided a primary care visit thanks to chiropractic treatment. This research proves that chiropractic isn’t just effective—it’s a game-changer for both patients and the healthcare system.

In this episode, we break down a groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Integrative Neuroscience, focusing on how adjustments to the upper neck—specifically the occipital Atlanto joint—can lead to selective improvements in motor control throughout the body, including both neck and limb function.

In this episode, we dive into the latest chiropractic research, focusing on a brand new systematic review that examines the biomechanical effects of high velocity, low amplitude spinal manipulation. Whether you’ve ever wondered what really changes in the body after an adjustment or you’re looking for better ways to communicate those benefits to your patients, Dr. Langmaid breaks down the findings in clear, straightforward language. From increased range of motion in the cervical spine to the surprising impact of thoracic adjustments on neck mobility, this episode looks under the hood at the real, measurable effects of chiropractic care.