There have been many studies over the years that have shown the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for back pain. Recently, a new study revealed more good news for Chiropractic: The study entitled "Tracking Low Back Problems in a Major Self-Insured Workforce: Toward Improvement in the Patient's Journey," showed the importance, efficacy and cost-saving benefits of turning to chiropractic early when it comes to low back pain. The study examined the total direct (medical, pharmaceutical) and indirect (lost productivity, absenteeism, workers compensation, short and long-term disability) cost outcomes associated with care for back problems reported by workers at a major self-insured heavy manufacturer in the U.S. The results were published in the June issue of The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
One of the things that are so impressive about this study is the size of population studied. The researchers tracked over 21,000 people between 2001 to 2009, individuals who reported back pain were identified as pursuing one of five different care approaches, from Information and Advice to Chiropractic to Complex Medical Management, based on their first six weeks of insurance claims. Those who sought Chiropractic were not only the least likely to turn to dangerous pharmaceuticals and costly surgery, the Chiropractic patients also averaged significantly lower total costs per episode. Early intervention was less costly over the long-run, as well. Those who received medical management actually had the highest costs.
The researchers concluded with this statement:
“Although employers and their occupational health personnel are not necessarily looking to test the accuracy or appropriateness of guidelines for Low Back Pain care per se, they are seeking to better manage the long-term total cost outcomes of their Low Back Pain employees/patients. Do guidelines hold much promise for advancing this objective? The bottom line answer from this study is an empirically based yes”.
What this means is that not only do we as individuals and families worry about the costs associated with treatment for back pain, so do employers and insurers. While it is true that low back pain is quite common and accounts for a large percentage of medical costs, it is also true that treating it doesn't have to cost a lot. Here at The Joint, we recognize the need for affordable and convenient chiropractic care to help with back and neck pain.
- Brad Hendricks, D.C.
Chiropractic Physician
