01/20/2026
This is #10 of David Graber DC's chosen 25 studies:
SMT is Effective For Patients With Radiculopathy: High velocity low amplitude (i.e. thrust) techniques have been shown to provide greater reduction in pain and disability in patients with cervical and lumbar radiculopathy in the short term and medium term compared with sham HVLAT interventions, conventional physical therapy alone, and spinal mobilization.
Takeaway: Chiropractic adjustments are more effective at resolving radiculopathies than physical therapy or mobilizations.
Giovannico G, Cioeta M, Giannotta G, Bargeri S, Brindisino F, Pellicciari L. Efficacy of Spine High-Velocity Low-Amplitude Thrust Manipulations in Patients With Radiculopathy: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2025 Oct;55(10):649-660. http://www.jospt.org/doi/pdf/10.2519/jospt.2025.13103
Original post by Charles Blum