Chiropractic Care: More Cost Effective Low Back Pain Treatment For Injured Workers

The US Department of Labor and Statistics reports that Low Back Pain is the #1 cause of disability in the United States. It is estimated that over 140 million work days are missed each year due to low back pain. At any given time over 31 million Americans are suffering from low back pain, and 50% of all working Americans report having low back pain each year. That is why the following study results carry such significance as it relates to low back pain treatment for injured workers.

Workers’ Compensation Update: Chiropractic Care More Valuable and Cost-Efficient For Low Back Pain vs. Physician Care, Physical Therapy

CARMICHAEL, Calif. – June 2, 2011 – A recent study conducted by medical and healthcare professionals outside the chiropractic profession, “Health Maintenance Care in Work-Related Low Back Pain and Its Association with Disability Recurrence,” (Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, April 2011, Vol. 53 Is. 4, p: 396-404) concludes chiropractic care to be more effective for common, work-related, low back pain (LBP), when compared to treatment by a physical therapist or physician. Overall, chiropractic patients illustrated lower medical expenses, fewer disability recurrences and shorter initial periods of disability.
 
 
 

Study Reveals Chiropractic Care Results In Best Low Back Pain Treatment Outcomes

Researchers compared disability episodes across types of healthcare providers who treat claimants with new episodes of work-related low back pain. After an analysis of 894 workers’ compensation cases, it was concluded that the preventive healthcare, predominantly and explicitly recommended by chiropractic doctors, is associated with lower disability recurrences. In this study, a recurrent disability is defined as the resumption of at least 15 consecutive days of temporary total disability payments following the health maintenance stage — the period following a patient’s recovery and restoration of optimal health.

“A chiropractor provides an effective approach to maintain health, a key component in preventing episode recurrence,” says Gerard Clum, D.C. and spokesperson for the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress. “The clear trend revealed in this study shows chiropractic care resulting in the best outcomes, and the mechanism being used deserves the attention of both the consumer and healthcare professional.”

Chiropractors May Be Instrumental In Avoiding Uncertain Low Back Pain Treatment

Ten percent of patients experienced recurrent disability due to low back pain between initial disabilities and the subsequent return-to-work or healthcare phase. After controlling demographic and severity factors, when compared to recipients cared for mostly by physicians and/or physical therapists, those treated mostly by chiropractors showed consistently better outcomes, less use of opioids, and had fewer surgeries, with overall lower medical expenses. “A significant hypothesis derived from this study states that chiropractors may be instrumental in avoiding procedures or surgeries of unproven cost utility value or uncertain efficacy,” adds Dr. Clum.

Low Back Pain Treatment And Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care for low back pain treatment begins with a thorough examination, during which the chiropractor discusses the patient’s history and creates a plan that is tailored to the patient’s needs.

The chiropractor performs an adjustment as part of the care plan. Rehabilitative exercises and stretches designed to strengthen the spine may also be recommended for low back pain treatment for the injured worker. A complete chiropractic plan may also include other therapies, such as heat and ice, electrical stimulation, laser therapy, and massage therapy. The chiropractor may recommend a wide range of lifestyle changes designed to optimize health.

Safe, Noninvasive care Chiropractic care is a proven method for targeting problems in the lower back. Chiropractors have successfully helped millions of people find relief. A continuing chiropractic care plan may be recommended to ensure long-lasting benefits. If your or someone you know has suffered a work related injury, considering chiropractic care may be your best choice for your low back pain treatment.