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%

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%