Chiropractic Care Can Save You Money!
Did you know that one and four women and one and six men have an episode of neck pain every year? Those ages 30 to 59 are among the highest risk group for neck pain. Old research suggests that indirect cost associated with neck pain, for example missing work, usually exceeds direct healthcare expenses. It has been proven that it is important for care to improve pain and function permanently so that a patient can go back to work and not have to worry about calling out sick. And it happens here in Spokane too.
A study done in 2022 found that manual therapy for neck pain produces better outcomes than physician care. Although there is not much research existing that compares a multi modal manual therapy treatment with physician treatment, there is one study that I would like to review.
Researchers took working aged adults with neck pain and divided them into two groups. The first group received six treatments spread over six weeks. These treatments included spinal manipulation, mobilization, massage, and stretching. The second group visited a physician 2×3 weeks apart and just received doctor orders on how to manage pain.
The adults that completed the study completed a questionnaire after the six weeks. The questionnaire was used to determine quality of life that is health related. This includes factors such as physical physical functioning, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, and mental health. The questionnaire also asked the adults which other methods of care they used to manage their pain after the study was completed. The last question they asked was if they used sick days during the six weeks.
Other research was found that stated participants in the manual therapy group reported much better improvements in health related quality of life. The overall cost per patient was also 49% lower than the physician group. These individuals were also less likely to require intensive/expensive care. Manual therapy clearly achieves better outcomes at lower costs compared to physician treatment.
Doctors of chiropractic use manual therapy as discussed above to treat patients of all kinds. Multi modal approaches will help a patient heal the whole body. Exercise advice, nutritional counseling, and physiotherapy modalities are used among other treatments.
If you are suffering from neck pain, come see us today. We can help save you money, save you time and save you pain as well. Call today 509-299-6900 to schedule an appointment.