New Study Reinforces Chiropractic's Role in Better Cost Management of Low Back Pain
Findings in a new study in the June, 2014 edition of The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, showed the importance, efficacy & cost-saving benefits of turning to Chiropractic early when it comes to low back pain. The study examined the total direct (medical, pharmaceutical) & indirect (lost productivity, absenteeism, workers compensation, short & 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.
Tracking 21,080 people between 2001 to 2009, individuals who reported back pain were identified as pursuing one of five different care approaches, from Information & 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 & costly surgery, the Chiropractic patients also averaged significantly lower total costs per episode. Early intervention was less costly over the long-run, as well. Source: The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress.