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Full Results for SpineUniverse Back Pain Treatment Options Survey

In early 2008, SpineUniverse presented people visiting its website with a list of treatment options. They were asked to rate their satisfaction with the outcome of each treatment they tried. They were given a scale from Very Dissatisfied to Very Satisfied. Patients were also able to note that they hadn't tried a treatment option.

499 people responded to the survey, generating the following results:

Back Pain Treatment Option Very Dissatisfied Dissatisfied Satisfied Very
Satisfied
Acupuncture/
Acupressure		 51 69 37 27
Chiropractic 95 113 67 46
Exercise 44 138 170 82
Herbal Remedies 60 90 41 10
Injections 90 107 86 42
Massages 38 107 139 82
Over-the-counter Pain
Medication		 133 173 101 23
Prescription Pain
Medication		 33 127 178 73
Physical Therapy 60 153 125 66
Surgery 53 52 50 51
Weight Loss 28 87 109 50

Back Pain Treatment Option Didn't Try This Did Try This
Acupuncture/
Acupressure		 315 184
Chiropractic 178 321
Exercise 65 434
Herbal Remedies 298 201
Injections 173 325
Massages 132 366
Over-the-counter Pain
Medication		 69 430
Prescription Pain
Medication		 87 411
Physical Therapy 94 404
Surgery 291 206
Weight Loss 223 274

Type of Treatment for Back Pain % satisfied or better
Herbal Remedies 25.4%
Over-the-counter Pain Medication 28.8%
Acupuncture/Acupressure 34.8%
Chiropractic 35.2%
Injections 39.4%
Physical Therapy 47.3%
Surgery 49.0%
Weight Loss 58.0%
Exercise 58.1%
Massages 60.4%
Prescription Pain Medication 61.1%

% of respondents satisfied or better with back pain treatment option

Type of Treatment
for Back Pain		 % Dissatisfied or Worse
Herbal Remedies 74.6%
Over-the-counter Pain Medication 71.2%
Acupuncture/Acupressure 65.2%
Chiropractic 64.8%
Injections 60.6%
Physical Therapy 52.7%
Surgery 51.0%
Weight Loss 42.0%
Exercise 41.9%
Massages 39.6%
Prescription Pain Medication 38.9%

% of respondents dissatisfied or worse with back pain treatment option

Last Updated: 04/04/2008
Continue Reading: What Really Gets Rid of Back Pain?

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