How Chiropractic Care Saves you Money

Did you know the potential benefits of chiropractic care as a frontline treatment for lower back pain, not only in terms of patient outcomes but also in terms of cost savings for the healthcare system. Here's a summary of the key points that I have highlighted:

1. Global Health Problem and Economic Impact:

   • Lower back pain (LBP) is a widespread health issue affecting a significant portion of the adult population globally.
   • It is the single most expensive condition to treat in the United States, with implications for individuals' ability to work and carry out daily activities.

2. Chiropractic Care as a Frontline Treatment:

   • Chiropractic care is presented as a frontline treatment in medical guidelines for lower back pain.

3. Cost Savings from Avoiding Unnecessary Services:

   • Unnecessary imaging, such as MRIs, contributes to immediate costs and potential harm to patients.
   • Research indicates that a significant percentage of MRIs for lower back pain may be inappropriate, and unnecessary imaging requests are common.
   • Patients who initially consult with a chiropractor are less likely to be referred for an MRI, leading to cost savings.

4. Opioid Prescriptions and Chiropractic Care:

   • Chronic lower back pain often leads to opioid prescriptions, which can have adverse long-term effects.
   • Patients who see a chiropractor first are less likely to be prescribed opioids, according to a 2022 study.

5. Surgery and Non-Pharmacological Care:

   • Treatment guidelines recommend non-pharmacological care, including chiropractic, as a first-line option.
   • Patients who consult a chiropractor first are significantly less likely to undergo surgery, which is associated with high costs and potential side effects.

6. Long-Term Reduction in Healthcare Costs:

   • A study using insurance data in June 2023 suggests that seeing a chiropractor first for lower back pain leads to long-term reduction in healthcare costs.
   • Encouraging chiropractic care as the first choice can result in immediate and long-term savings, potentially reallocating resources for patients with other healthcare conditions.

7. Resource Allocation and Patient Benefit:

   • Emphasizing chiropractic care as a primary option not only benefits patients with lower back pain but also ensures that healthcare resources are used more efficiently.

In summary these are the potential advantages of prioritizing chiropractic care as an initial intervention for lower back pain, both in terms of patient well-being and the economic efficiency of healthcare systems.  Share this will a friend or have them call our office at 512 556-8223 to make an appointment.