Chiropractic Has Better Results and is More Cost Effective on Low Back Pain

A release by the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (F4CP) cites new studies showing that chiropractic care is not only more effective for helping people suffering from lower back problems, but is also more affordable. The F4CP release dated, April 08, 2013, cites the results of two recent studies documenting the chiropractic advantage for patients with lower back problems.

Gerard Clum, D.C., spokesperson for the F4CP commented on one of the studies by saying, "Chiropractic care is a cost-effective, evidence-based approach that is well-documented for its outstanding patient outcomes and satisfaction scores." The study he referenced was published on April 1, 2013 in the medical journal Spine, which found that spinal manipulation (as the study authors termed it) was significantly better than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac and clinically superior to placebo for patients with acute non-specific low back pain. Dr. Clum added, "When used as a primary treatment option for back pain, chiropractic can boost avoidance of risky and costly measures, and promote equal or greater clinical outcomes."

The second study referenced by the F4CP release was published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics in January 2013. The study titled, "Aging baby boomers and the rising cost of chronic back pain: secular trend analysis of longitudinal Medical Expenditures Panel Survey data for years 2000 to 2007," showed that with the common (medical) care of chronic lower back problems the costs will continue to escalate. The author concluded, "The prevalence of back pain, especially chronic back pain, is increasing. To the extent that the growth in chronic back pain is caused, in part, by an aging population, the growth will likely continue or accelerate. With relatively high cost per adult with chronic back pain, total expenditures associated with back pain will correspondingly accelerate under existing treatment patterns."

The F4CP makes the point that utilization of chiropractic care presents opportunities for improved patient outcomes and decreased costs. Dr. Clum emphasizes the point that chiropractic would lower the cost of chronic lower back care as well as overall healthcare by saying, "To improve the system, it will be essential that patient care approaches with clinical and economic advantages -- such as chiropractic care -- be the focal point of progressive healthcare and health policy discussions."