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By reviewing data from 85,000 Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Tennessee beneficiaries over a period of two years, it was discovered that when patients initiated treatment for low back pain with a doctor of chiropractic (DC) instead of a medical doctor (MD) costs were nearly 40% lower.

The study performed by Richard L. Liliedahl, MD and colleagues will be formally published in the upcoming December 2010 issue of the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.

Dollar-for-dollar the costs associated with treating back pain can go toe-to-toe with nearly any malady. $50 billion is spent annually on back pain related health care costs.

Patients in this BCBS study did not have limits to the number of visits allowed nor were there any differences in co-pays between the MD and the DC group. The insured had open access to DC’s or MD’s without any gatekeeper referral required.

Many insurance policies have limited or no chiropractic benefits. This study estimated that if patients who sought medical care first would have initiated care with chiropractors, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee would have saved nearly $2.3 million.

American Chiropractic President Rick McMichael, DC commented on the findings, “As doctors of chiropractic, we know first hand that our care often helps patients avoid or reduce more costly interventions such as drugs and surgery. This study supports what we see in our practices every day.” “It also demonstrates the value of chiropractic care at a critical time, when our nation is attempting to reform it’s health care system and contain runaway costs.”
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"I'm an orthopedic spine surgeon, so I treat all sorts of back problems, and I'm a big believer in chiropractic," says William Lauerman, chief of spine surgery and a professor of orthopedic surgery at Georgetown University Hospital, in the Washington Post article (July 17, 2007). "I'm more of a believer for acute problems like short-term back pain, although I knowchiropracticcan be helpful for some cases of more-chronic conditions."

Chiropractic is a non-invasive, preventative approach to health. From the Chiropractic perspective, a poorly functioning spinal column is the cause of many different ailments. Any type of situation, whether it be a traumatic injury, wear and tear over many years, or any other stress, can cause the nervous system to stop working at its ultimate capacity. That can breed pain or discomfort and can affect how the organs of your body function. I'm sure you can see how this would affect your overall health and lifestyle. Treatment in a Chiropractic office consists of gently adjusting or manipulating the spine, as well as exercise recommendations, physical therapy, and rehabilitative activities. Chiropractic physicians will answer your questions on nutrition and any other health-related question. Chiropractors refer to other health care providers when the condition warrants additional medical intervention. Chiropractic is a safe starting point for getting the care you need.
  • Reported this summer in a fascinating Washington Post article, Mainstream Makes Adjustments, a study published in the highly respected Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT)June 2007 issue revealed that "patients who turned first to chiropractors and other alternative-medicine professionals for care were hospitalized and had surgery 60 percent less often and spent 85 percent less on pharmaceuticals than those with medical doctors as primary care providers."

  • A study published in October 2005 revealed that the cost of chiropractic care is identical or superior to traditional medical care for treating chronic low-back pain, with chiropractic care being more effective.

  • A January 2005 study showed that patients with chronic spinal pain syndromes did markedly better than patients who received either medication or acupuncture.

  • A March 2004 study revealed that chiropractic care is more effective at treating chronic low-back pain in the patients’ first year of systems than traditional medical care.

  • Another key study appearing in an October 2004 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine supported many of the JMPT findings, concluding that chiropractic care cut back pain treatment by 28 percent, reduced back surgeries by 32 percent, and reduced the cost of medical imaging such as x-rays and MRIs by 37 percent.

Chiropractic care takes a conservative approach to lower back pain and potential disc problems – with the goal to help restore better motion and alignment in the spine without surgery or medication. Click the link below to watch a video for more information on back pain and the need for surgery. Surgery should be your last option.
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