IT’S NO SECRET that Doctors of Chiropractic and Doctors of Medicine have not always seen eye to eye. Go back several decades and the relationship may have been better characterized as hostile. Times have changed and chiropractic is gaining greater popularity as the medical community begins to see the same value in chiropractic care that patients have been enjoying for over a century. This has never been as evident as with the publication of the American College of Physicians (ACP) clinical practice guideline for treating low back pain in the prestigious Annals of Internal Medicine.
Back pain is one of the most common reasons for doctor visits and a leading cause of disability and lost time from work. It is also a condition for which patients frequently receive prescription medication—even those that are highly addictive. Back pain also accounts for thousands of surgeries each year. According to a 2020 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, low back and neck pain topped the list of the most expensive health conditions with an estimated $134.5 billion in yearly spending.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) is the medical society for internal medicine specialists and the largest medical-specialty society in the world with 154,000 members. The ACP recommendations encourage physicians and patients to seek non-drug care such as that found commonly in chiropractic offices (spinal manipulation, massage, etc.). According to the ACP president (at the time of publication), Nitin S. Damle, MD, “Physicians should avoid prescribing unnecessary tests and costly and potentially harmful drugs, especially narcotics, for these patients.”
Chiropractic care focuses on the causes of back pain. Correct the underlying issue and the pain, inflammation, and spasms cease to exist once normal functions and balance is restored. Chiropractic has not only been shown to be successful but costs less and reduces recurring back pain episodes down the road. Best of all, chiropractic care is drug-free, may prevent the need for surgery, and is among the safest forms of health care available.
Despite years of friction between the chiropractic and medical professions, the ACP guidelines are beginning to show that old tensions are softening. This is good news for patients, healthcare budget experts, premium-paying employers, and society concerned about the harm and addictions associated with prescription medications.
I think I can speak on behalf of the chiropractic profession and state that we are more excited than ever to see other doctors appreciating and recognizing the value of the services we provide. We are particularly happy that our natural approach to healing will continue to grow and help all people live a more productive and pain-free life!
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