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.

This week, Dr. Jeff Langmaid sits down with Gabe from ChiroHD, one of the fastest-growing EHR platforms in chiropractic. Whether you're actively searching for a new EHR or simply curious about how the latest technology can make your practice run smoother, this episode is packed with insights. Gabe shares the story behind ChiroHD’s rapid rise. These unique features set them apart—like integrated texting, actionable data, and cutting-edge reporting—and why more and more chiropractors are making the switch. Plus, you’ll hear about where healthcare tech is heading, including game-changing AI integrations and robust solutions for both cash and insurance-based clinics. If you’re looking to optimize your workflow, drive efficiency, and unlock your practice’s potential, you won’t want to miss this conversation!

In today’s episode, we dig into one of the most intriguing topics in spinal imaging: the comparison between upright and recumbent MRIs. He breaks down a brand new systematic review published in the Spine Journal—featuring data from 19 studies and over 5,200 participants—to answer a key question for clinicians: Are there meaningful differences between upright and traditional lying-down MRI scans, and which correlates better with a patient’s pain?

In this episode, Dr. Langmaid delves into fascinating new research that explores what really happens beneath the surface when a spinal adjustment is administered. Highlighting a study that sifted through nearly 20,000 articles to nail down the highest-quality evidence, he unpacks key findings on the immediate anatomical and positional changes sparked by chiropractic care—think increased facet joint gapping and reduced spinal stiffness. You'll hear how these biomechanical shifts translate to improved movement, reduced pain, and even a lower risk of injury for patients. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or a curious patient, this episode pulls back the curtain on the science behind chiropractic adjustments and offers valuable tips on communicating these benefits in your practice and beyond.

In our 500th episode, I’d like to thank every listener for nearly a decade of unwavering support and offer a special giveaway as a token of appreciation. But that's not all—this episode is packed with practical insights for chiropractors. Dr. Jeff delves into a groundbreaking, multi-arm, randomized trial that compares the effectiveness of spinal adjustments, acupuncture, traction, and their combinations in treating lumbar disc herniations. If you care for patients with back pain or disc issues, you won’t want to miss the discussion on which non-pharmacological approaches deliver the best outcomes—and how you can leverage this research to make a greater impact in your practice and community. Tune in for research, gratitude, and actionable strategies to continue elevating your chiropractic care!

In this episode, we’ll dive into a brand new systematic review and meta-analysis focused on manual therapy for cervicogenic headaches. If you’ve ever wondered about the best hands-on approaches to managing this common condition, you’ll want to tune in for the latest research findings. Dr. Langmaid breaks down the evidence on spinal adjustments, mobilizations, and massage, revealing which technique takes the top spot for pain and disability relief. He also shares practical clinical pearls for patient communication, offers advice on safety and best practices, and provides actionable insights that you can immediately apply in your practice.

In today’s show, we dive into the evolving world of virtual chiropractic assistants with guest Dr. Allen Miner, CEO of Chiro Matchmakers. If you’ve ever wondered what a “virtual CA” is, how offshore team members can support your practice, or whether a cost-effective, college-educated, and highly professional remote assistant could be right for you, this episode is for you.

In this exciting episode, we unveil something he's been working on behind the scenes for months: Avatar DC. Imagine having your very own AI-powered video twin that helps you connect with patients and prospects 24/7—without ever stepping in front of a camera. From engaging social media videos to essential practice communications, Avatar DC makes it easier than ever to build trust, boost engagement, and grow your chiropractic practice. Dr. Langmaid walks you through how this revolutionary tool works, what makes it unique, and how you can be among the very first chiropractors to try it at a special launch price.

On this episode, we dives into a fascinating new study straight from the Global Spine Journal, taking a close look at the neurological complications that can arise after an anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF)—a spinal surgery that's exploding in popularity, with a staggering 600% increase in procedures between 2000 and 2019.