For Patients with Low Back Pain, is Chiropractic More Effective than Medical Treatment?

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

Preventing Ski Injuries

As winter approaches, it is time to start preparing for ski season. Here at The Joint - Sugarhouse our Salt Lake City Chiropractors see and treat numerous ski and snowboard related injuries every year. Many of these injuries are avoidable. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are over 144,000 snow skiing-related injuries treated in hospitals, doctor's offices, and emergency rooms every year. Injuries associated with snowboarding are even greater: 148,000.



A wide range of injuries can occur in snow skiing or snowboarding. Knee injuries are the most common. Shoulder injuries such as dislocations and sprains are common as well because skiers frequently put their arms out to break a fall. Head injuries and back pain can also occur in skiing, and can be especially serious.

Here are some tips for avoiding injury:

Proper Preparation

Maintain fitness. Be sure you are in good physical condition before you start the season. If you are out of shape, select runs that are less challenging to start and gradually build your way up to more challenging trails.

Many ski injuries happen at the end of the day, when people overexert themselves to finish that one last run before the day's end. A majority of these injuries can easily be prevented if you prepare by keeping in good physical condition and stopping when you are tired or in pain.
Warm up. Research studies have shown that cold muscles are more prone to injury. Warm up with jumping jacks, running or walking in place for 3 to 5 minutes. Take a couple of slow ski runs to complete your warm up.

• Hydrate. Even mild levels of dehydration can affect physical ability and endurance. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after skiing.
• Get Adjusted. Make sure that your spine is functioning at its best. Even small misalignment can cause you to lose some of you normal range of motion and reduce endurance. A regular spinal adjustment will help you to perform at your optimal level and reduce back pain.
• Ensure Appropriate Equipment
• Wear several layers of light, loose and water- and wind-resistant clothing for warmth and protection. Layering allows you to accommodate your body's constantly changing temperature.
• Buy or rent boots and bindings that have been set, adjusted, maintained and tested by a ski shop that follows American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard job practices.
• Check the binding of each ski before skiing. The bindings must be properly adjusted to your height and weight.
• Wear appropriate protective gear, including goggles and a helmet. Helmets are sport-specific, so do not wear a bike helmet on the slopes. Ski helmets should be worn.
• Ensure a Safe Environment
• Stay on marked trails and avoid potential avalanche areas such as steep hillsides with little vegetation.
• Watch out for rocks and patches of ice on the ski trails.
• Pay attention to warnings about upcoming storms and severe drops in temperature. Make adjustments for icy conditions, deep snow powder, and wet snow.

We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable ski season. Remember if you are injured or have back pain during or after your day on the slopes, don't wait to be treated. The Joint - Sugarhouse is conveniently located off of I-80; our Salt Lake City chiropractors are here seven days a week and no appointment is needed.

-Dr. Sean Smith

Extremity Adjustment

When asked "What does a chiropractor treat?" most people respond by saying either "back or neck pain." It is true that as chiropractors we focus primarily on treating the spine, however we also treat the majority of the joints in the body. This includes the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, hips, and ankles. The typical treatment from our Salt Lake City Chiropractors involves mobilizing the joints to improve range of motion and function as well as decrease pain. Generally we refer to this as "extremity adjusting." Just like with the spine the extremity adjustment can serve to treat certain injuries, maintain proper function and to prevent injury.

There are three primary goals with the extremity adjustment.

First is to ensure proper alignment of the many bones and joints in the extremities. The ankles and wrist have several different joints which can easily become misaligned. Maintaining the proper alignment will help to preserve the symmetry side to side. This helps to reduce the risk of injury due to poor biomechanics. At 'The Joint - Sugarhouse', located in Salt Lake City, our chiropractors work with many of the local high school and college athletes. We have great success in preventing injury. With some teams we have worked with, non-contact ankle injuries were reduce by nearly 100% with regular adjustments compared to previous years without care.

The second goal of the extremity adjustment is to increase flexibility and range of motion. Increased flexibility in the ankle for example, allows for faster and smoother transition from the push off phase of gait to the strike position. This reduces the drag and increases performance. In a sport where tenths, or even hundredths of seconds make the difference between first place and second, our chiropractors understand that every bit of drag counts.

Third and possibly most important result of extremity adjustments is increased proprioception. This is the bodies awareness of where it is in space. It is what gives us our balance. Increased awareness and balance will increase overall performance and reduce injuries.

Preventing Back Pain

Many people experience back pain due to injury or strain.  A great number of these can be avoided by proper lifting and regular exercise.  By maintaining an active lifestyle, you can strengthen your muscles ensuring your bones stay in the proper alignment.  Exercise also helps you lose or maintain weight.  Extra weight can be a strain on the body causing unnecessary pain in your back.  You should always try to stand up and sit up straight to avoid slouching.  Improper posture can create strain on your body causing you undue pain.  Our Chiropractic clinic in Salt Lake City see many patients for back pain that could have been avoided.  

It is important to see your doctor if you experience tingling, numbness, or extreme pain in your back that can not be relieved by over the counter pain relievers.  The Joint Chiropractic Clinic in Salt Lake City can help you determine the cause of your pain and the available options to alleviate that pain so you can live a healthy life.  Chiropractic is the recommended first line of treatment for back injuries and back pain.  By realigning your body, we help patients reduce or eliminate the pain they are experiencing so you can feel normal again.    

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