Why chiropractic care is more cost effective

The International Health Groups Worldwide has recognized chiropractic care as the most cost effective when it comes to treating musculoskeletal pain. A study conducted by the American Pain Society and the American College of Physicians recognized spinal adjustment or chiropractic manipulation provided by chiropractors as an effective medical treatment for both acute and chronic low back pain. This shows the chiropractic care has a tendency to be more cost effective and time effective compared to allopathic care in which medical doctors and other healthcare professionals (such as nurses, pharmacists, and therapists) use medications, radiation, and/or surgery to provide treatment.

Chiropractic care treats low back pain

Interestingly, new research indicates that nearly 50% of people with back pain are receiving non concordant care recommendations from their primary care physicians. This situation is leading to an epidemic of chronic pain (1). Chiropractic care and spinal adjustments have continued to be effective for treating low back pain. Studies have shown chiropractic care is more effective for treating low back pain than allopathic care.  Researchers conducted a study of patients with acute and chronic low back pain and the cost-effectiveness of medical and chiropractic care. The results showed the outcomes in functionality and patient satisfaction was much higher for chiropractic care than for medical care (2).

Chiropractic care treats migraines

In addition, more and more studies show that chiropractic care can treat migraines.  In the allopathic world, migraines are treated primarily with pills and other prescribed medications. Most of these medications have harsh side effects that can be irritating and distressing. Another study found pills and other pain medications for migraines had short-term effectiveness resulting in regular buying of the pain medications every couple of weeks. Groups that used pills and other medications showed no improvement in migraine severity and even felt slightly worse. Whereas, chiropractic care and spinal manipulation showed a 35% reduction in headache intensity, a 40% reduction in headache frequency, around a 30% reduction in medication usage and a 16% improvement in functionality (3). Chiropractic care is focused not only on pain relief but is able to treat migraines by improving the alignment of the neck and spine.

Chiropractic care treats musculoskeletal pain

Moreover, patients should choose chiropractic care for treating musculoskeletal pain. Musculoskeletal pain, which is a result of everyday wear and tear on the body, will ultimately result in injuries, postural strains, pain, and inflammation. On the allopathic side of medicine, treatment includes medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs), including Advil or Motrin. With the use of NSAIDs, it slows down the healing process and will require the patient to continue take these pills every day for the pain. Patients think their condition is improving due to the pain reduction, however; this medication masking the root cause of the pain.

Chiropractic care is cost-effective

Chiropractic care is a more cost effective and less invasive method of treating musculoskeletal conditions than allopathic medicine.  All in all, the cost of chiropractic care compared to regular medical care is cost-effective and produces positive clinic outcomes.  If you are interested in learning more about chiropractic care, you can select Contact Us on our website and complete the form and we will reach out to you, or you can call us at 262-542-4700.

References

1. Stevans JM, Delitto A, Khoja SS, et al. Risk Factors Associated With Transition From Acute to Chronic Low Back Pain in US Patients Seeking Primary Care. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(2):e2037371. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.37371
2. Haas M, Sharma R, Stano M. Cost-effectiveness of medical and chiropractic care for acute and chronic low back pain. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2005 Oct;28(8):555-63. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2005.08.006. PMID: 16226622.
3. Boline PD, Kassak K, Bronfort G, Nelson C, Anderson AV. Spinal manipulation vs.
   amitriptyline for the treatment of chronic tension-type headaches: a randomized clinical trial. J
   Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1995;18(3):148-154.