Discover the Powerful Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Low Back Pain: A New Study Reveals Dramatic Reductions in Surgeries, Injections, and Opioid Use with Chiropractic Adjustments. 

At Abreu Family Chiropractic, we are always on the lookout for the latest research to ensure our patients receive the best, most effective care. A significant study was recently published in PLoS ONE by Anderson BR, Whedon JM, and Herman PM. The study delves into the impact of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) on the necessity for more intense spine care interventions. This research provides compelling evidence on how chiropractic care alleviates pain and reduces the need for escalated spine care measures like injections, surgery and medications.

Key Findings from the Study

The study analyzed health insurance claims from 2012 to 2018, encompassing a total of 83,025 claims representative of 11,114 unique back pain episodes. Chiropractic care were examined and categorized into three utilization groups based on the number of visits during a single LBP episode:

  • Low SMT Group (one visit)
  • Moderate SMT Group (two to 12 visits)
  • High SMT Group (13+ visits)

The relative risk of escalated spine care – which includes imaging studies, injection procedures, emergency hospital visits, surgery, and opioid medication use – was evaluated for each SMT group compared to patients who did not receive any chiropractic adjustments.

Reduction in Escalated Spine Care

The findings were remarkable:

Low Utilization Group (one visit):

  • 47% less likely to need imaging
  • 70% less likely to require injections
  • 92% less likely to visit an Emergency Room
  • 51% less likely to undergo surgery
  • 67% less likely to use opioids

Moderate SMT Group (2 to 12 visits)

  • 27% less likely to need imaging
  • 74% less likely to require injections
  • 79% less likely to visit an Emergency Room
  • 60% less likely to undergo surgery
  • 63% less likely to use opioids

Patients in the high adjustment group had an increased likelihood of imaging (RR 1.37) but a decreased risk for injections (RR 0.46) and emergency room visits (RR 0.27). Notably, the risks of surgery and opioid use were comparable to patients not receiving adjustments. This suggests that patients with more severe conditions may require more diagnostic imaging, but chiropractic care still helps reduce other more invasive interventions.

Implications for Chiropractic Care and Health Costs

This study underscores the effectiveness of chiropractic care in managing low back pain and reducing the need for more invasive, costly, and potentially harmful treatments. In light of the staggering $87 billion spent annually on treatment costs for low back pain, integrating conservative, nonpharmacological care like chiropractic holds the promise of better patient outcomes and significant economic benefits.

Abreu Family Chiropractic: Your Partner in Holistic Health

Abreu Family Chiropractic is committed to offering evidence-based, patient-centered care. This study further validates our approach of using chiropractic SMT to effectively manage low back pain while minimizing the need for escalated spine care interventions. Our goal is to provide you with the best care options that align with the latest research, ensuring your health journey is effective and efficient.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our:

https://abreuwellnesscenter.com or contact us at (845) 566-0568.

Let us help you take the first step toward a pain-free life today!

Reference: Anderson BR, Whedon JM, Herman PM. Dosing of lumbar spinal manipulative therapy and its association with escalated spine care: a cohort study of insurance claims. PLoS ONE, 2024;19(1):e0283252.